20
May
2026
Watch
Rights, support and protection of victims of crime (debate)
Madam President, thank you very much. Yes, what does it say about our society, if the victim of violence is also forced to fight to be believed, receive support or receive care? It can be a vulnerable woman, it can be a child. Here in the European Parliament, we have the opportunity to actually change that by strengthening the rights of victims across the EU. This is an important and long-awaited step forward. With this new Victims’ Rights Directive, we are strengthening the protection of victims of abuse. And we Social Democrats have also pushed for better access to care for victims of sexual violence, including safe and legal abortion. This should be self-evident. But the far right has opposed it. For us, this is about the fundamental, namely our human dignity. Victims of crime must be met with respect, security and solidarity. Never out of shame or silence.