V-Net: Network for victims of terrorism

V-Net II

After the success of V-NET I, the DG of Justice, Freedom and Security of the EU has awarded a follow-up project: V-NET II.

The European Network of Victims of Terrorism was initiated by the Asociación de Ayuda a las Victimas del 11 M, following the Madrid train bombings in March 2004.

V-NET I created a network of organisations working with victims of terrorism, and shared practices in this area.

V-NET II focuses on the opportunity for victims voices to be heard at four events across Europe, each with a different topic, and for those voices to be acknowledged, and to contribute to policy and practice across the EU. The symbol of light, which Impact developed as European symbol for resilience, will support V-NET II.

Four "Voice of the victims" events in four different countries will be organised the coming year:

• in the Peace Centre in Warrington, UK, September 30, 2008
• in the Netherlands in winter 2008/2009
• in Madrid on March 11 2009, and
• in Turin, later in 2009.

The theme of the Warrington event is: Victims, Empowerment & their contribution to Society.
Many victims have turned their experiences into positive action, and have not allowed being a victim stop them from achieving this goal. The event will give victims an opportunity to voice their experiences and to talk about their actions following tragic and devastating events.

The Dutch event organised by Impact, together with Victim Support Europe and Intervict will focus on European Values.

For more information on the European Victims network : www.europeanvictims.net

The meeting in Amsterdam was pictured in a little booklet called '100 Words' Download (PDF 2,63mB)