Participation in the Victim Support Europe (VSE) Conference in Lisbon on victims of crime and their protection

The European organisation AGE Platform Europe announced the participation of Mr Antoniou, President of the Cyprus Third Age Observatory, as its official representative at the VSE 2025 Conference held on 22–23 May at the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation in Lisbon. Mr Antoniou contributed to crucial discussions aimed at strengthening support systems, emphasising the needs of older victims.

The conference, under the theme "35 Years of Victim Support in Europe – Transforming Lives Today, Inspiring a Brighter Tomorrow", marked major anniversaries in the field of victims' rights, including the 40th anniversary of the UN Declaration of Basic Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime and Abuse of Power, the 25th anniversary of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, and the 5th anniversary of the EU's first Strategy on Victims' Rights.

Mr Antoniou participated in a roundtable titled "Inclusive Solutions for Crime Victims – Elderly Victims as a Key Example" alongside Marta Mendes from APAV MAIS and Jérôme Moreau from France Victimes 58 ANDAVI. The discussion, moderated by João Lázaro, President of the Portuguese Association for Victim Support (APAV), focused on the specific challenges faced by older victims and the need for tailored support services.

In his intervention, Mr Antoniou analysed the reasons why older victims often remain silent and do not report abuse. He stressed the importance of integrating age-sensitive approaches into victim support frameworks and advocated for the adoption of policies that recognise the specific vulnerabilities of older individuals. His participation underscored the commitment of AGE Platform Europe and the Observatory to representing the rights and needs not only of older victims but also of victims of all ages within the framework of European justice and support policies.

Mr Antoniou's presence at the VSE 2025 conference as a speaker reflects AGE Platform Europe's and the Observatory's commitment to intergenerational solidarity and to promoting the rights of older victims within the broader context of European justice and support systems. Furthermore, it highlights the significance of the work of AGE Platform and the Cyprus Third Age Observatory at both European and local levels, especially on issues of older people abuse and ageism.

The VSE 2025 conference brought together over 150 professionals from across Europe specialising in support for victims of crime, terrorism, and domestic violence.