Global victimology network
World Society of Victimology
A worldwide community of students, academics, practitioners, public officials, and advocates working to improve the plight of victims of crime and abuse of power.
Dedicated to victims rights, assistance, and justice.
“In joining a committee, a member assists the Society in achieving its aims and goals while deepening both their understanding of our work and their network of associates, friends and contacts.”
— From the WSV Welcome statement
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UN locations with accredited WSV representatives — New York, Geneva, Vienna & more
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International workshop themes: Victim Rights, Assistance, Minorities & Abuse of Power
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Fields of expertise represented across our global membership
Active at every level — local to global
International advocacy & consulting
The WSV maintains accredited representatives to the Council of Europe, and to United Nations offices in New York, Geneva, Vienna and at other locations where the UN meets. Accredited members (as approved by the President) may represent the Society events relevant to victim issues. Any member in good standing may apply to the President to be accredited to represent the Society at a specific event, meeting or office.
Advocating for a full UN Convention on Justice and Support for Victims of Crime and Abuse of Power
Ten years after the adoption of the Declaration of Basic Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime and Abuse of Power by the UN General Assembly, several members of the Society were instrumental in the development of two important instruments meant to further the implementation of the Declaration around the globe. These documents, the Guide for Policy Makers on the implementation of the Declaration, and a Handbook on Justice for Victims provide policy-makers and practitioners with concrete examples of how they can push forward the implementation of the Declaration in their region.
Continuing with this tradition of global advocacy the World Society of Victimology, in partnership with the International Victimology Institute (INTERVICT) of Tilburg University, is currently involved in the development of a full Draft Convention (latest draft).
WSV sponsored workshops, courses and seminars
These are held in many different countries. These have included four international workshops on Victim Rights, on Comprehensive Victim Assistance, on Minorities and Victimology, and on Abuse of Power.
Special two-week Post Graduate Courses in Victimology are held annually in Europe , Japan and South America. Announcements as to date, location and registration will be posted as they are made available.
WSV Committees
In order to help accomplish the mission and goals of the WSV, the Society organizes a number of standing committees, inviting any interested member in good standing to take part.
The Victimologist, Newsletter of the Society
This newsletter has been published since 1982, keeping members informed and involved in Society matters, on news of interest, research within the field, and on victim assistance and victim rights in general. WSV members are encouraged to submit articles or information for publication.
Electronically archived editions are available under Publications. Members are encouraged to submit articles or news by contacting the Chair of the Publications Committee. View past issues
Join a committee, deepen a work
Members are invited to take part in standing committees from the United Nations Liaison Committee to Communications and Standards & Norms helping shape the Society’s direction while building a global network.
Read The Victimologist
Our newsletter has kept members connected since 1982 — covering Society news, field research, and developments in victim assistance and rights around the world.