The International Cruise Victims Association, Inc. (ICV), a not for profit corporation formed by victims and families of victims of cruise crimes, has announced today that Victim Support Europe (VSE) is uniting with ICV to push for passage of safety regulations for passengers on cruise ships in Europe. The model for this would be the Cruise Vessel Safety and Security Act as passed by the United States Congress in July of last year. 

In line with this announcement, David McKenna, President of Victim Support Europe, stated: “Whether at home or abroad, at sea or onboard any other forms of transportation, people have the same fundamental right to safety and protection as well as the right to an effective remedy and assistance in case any of their rights are breached. Victim Support Europe (VSE) acknowledges that more needs to be done to ensure that victims of crimes committed on cruise ships and their families are able to access support and have their rights protected. VSE therefore supports the International Cruise Victims Association’s call to strengthen the legislative protection for victims of crime within the EU, to ensure that all victims are protected and given equal access to rights and services in the aftermath of crime.”

VSE was founded in 1990 by national organizations in Europe working with victims of crime. Members of Victim Support Europe have developed support, information and advocacy services to victims, using the skills of trained volunteers and staff.

VSE exists to: promote the development of effective services for victims of crime throughout Europe ; promote fair and equal compensation for victims of crime in Europe, regardless of the nationality of the victim; promote the rights of victims of crime in Europe in their involvement in the criminal justice system and with other agencies; and to exchange experience and information between member organizations to share best practices and knowledge  Currently, 26 national and regional organizations are said to be affiliated with VSE.