About Us

The WSV works with intergovernmental organizations, as an active promoter of research and program development on victims, assistance to victims, and victim rights. It pioneered a special United Nations’ charter of victims’ rights, which resulted in the General Assembly Resolution (A/RES/40/34) named the Declaration of Basic Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime and Abuse of Power. The WSV’s members represent many organizations in the International Scientific and Professional Advisory Council (ISPAC) to the Crime Program at the United Nations, and serve on its Board of Directors. These activities are achieved mainly through the networking of persons concerned with the theory of victimology and the practice of victim support.

As a non-governmental organization with Special Category consultive status with the UN’s ECOSOC the WSV is involved in the United Nations Congresses (held 5 years apart) and Commissions (held annually, except when a Congress is held) on Crime and Criminal Justice (see UNODC). The WSV is also active with the Council of Europe‘s European Forum for Victim Assistance, with the National Organization for Victim Assistance in the USA, with Victim Support in the United Kingdom, and with other national, regional and territorial organizations across the globe.

The WSV maintains many active programs within its membership. Information on WSV events, projects and other activities can be found throughout this site.