On the 9th of November, Charlie Hedges, AMBER Alert Europe’s Police Expert Network Coordinator, spoke at Victim Support Europe’s Conference “Putting victims’ rights into practice: where are we?” at the European Parliament in Brussels.
In his presentation, Charlie Hedges addressed the importance of privacy and the so-called “plan for the recovery” phase. This means that law enforcement prepares and plans for the support to missing children after their return, for example by referring them and their family members to the appropriate aftercare solutions.
The conference was co- hosted by MEP Teresa Jiménez-Becerril Barrio & MEP Axel Voss. Other speakers included: EU Commissioner Věra Jourová, as well as Vice President of Victim Support Europe João Lázaro.
EU Directive on Victim’s Rights
Nearly 100 million people in the European Union fall victim to crime every year. In 2011, European Member States committed themselves to strengthening the rights of victims of crime by the 16th of November of this year. To date, there are however still 8 Member States without generic Victim Support services in place. The call for improved rights, support and protection for victims has thus become all the more pressing.
AMBER Alert Europe supports strengthened rights and services for all victims of crime in Europe
Victim Support can provide for emotional support, as well as very practical help and legal advice after your child has gone missing, or you have become victim of a missing children’s case in any other way. See also the website of Victim Support Europe for a victim support organisation in your area.
Photo (on the left): Charlie Hedges, Coordinator Police Expert Network for AMBER Alert Europe speaking at Victim Support Europe’s conference “Putting victims’ rights into practice: where are we?” at the European Parliament in Brussels.
