P063. Implementing a restorative and victim-centred approach to mitigate hate and (violent) extremism across EU: Insights from the VicTory project

• In Event: Poster Session & Ice Cream Social

Abstract

In response to the rising trends of hate and violent extremism incidents across Europe, as well as their profound impact on victims, the VicTory project emerges as a crucial initiative to advance the implementation of legislation and practices that uphold victims’ rights, provide them with adequate support, and prevent secondary victimisation. The project brings together a consortium of eight institutions from five European countries: Spain (Fundación Euroárabe de Altos Estudios, coordinator; Ararteko, partner), Portugal (Faculty of Law of the University of Porto, partner; Innovative Prison Systems - IPS, partner; Association ILGA Portugal, partner), Italy (Associazione Carcere e Territorio Onlus, partner), Hungary (Hungarian Helsinki Committee, partner), and Finland (Map Finland, partner). Launched in November 2024, as a EU-funded initiative under the European Commission's Justice Programme, VicTory adopts a holistic approach, innovating through the development of a restorative-led framework built on diverse yet complementary activities.
This poster aims to present an overview of the project's structure and key insights from the results achieved thus far, covering its various complementary activities that were designed to address the complexities of the topics under research. A particular focus is placed on capacitating and raising awareness among key practitioners, namely criminal justice professionals. Accordingly, the project is structured into sequential stages following a multimethod approach. It begins with mapping the current situation and best practices, proceeds with surveys to assess the needs of both victims and professionals involved in victim support, and integrates a qualitative dimension through focus groups with practitioners. Additionally, it fosters collaboration to identify common challenges, co-develop solutions, and share best practices in the field. Ultimately, the project seeks to consolidate knowledge, equip professionals, and promote multi-agency cooperation to ensure due diligence in responding to victims of hate incidents and violent extremism.

Authors

• Pedro Sousa, Interdisciplinary Research Center on Justice (CIJ/FDUP); School of Criminology, Faculty of Law, University of Porto

• Inês Guedes, Interdisciplinary Research Centre on Crime, Justice and Security of the School of Criminology - Faculty of Law of the University of Porto

• Samuel Moreira, CIJ (Centre for Interdisciplinary Research on Justice) - School of Criminology, Faculty of Law, University of Porto, Portugal | CEJEIA (Center for Legal, Economic, International and Environmental Studies) - Lusíada University, Portugal

• Margarida A. Santos, CIJ - Centre for Interdisciplinary Research on Justice; School of Criminology, Faculty of Law, University of Porto

• Camila Iglesias, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research on Justice (CIJ); Faculty of Law of the University of Porto (FDUP)