United Nations

The World Society of Victimology (WSV) is an international NGO that works to advance rights and address the needs of all victims—including those harmed by transnational organized crime. The WSV brings together victimology experts, from all regions of the world, to teach post-graduate courses on “Victimology, Victim Assistance, and Criminal Justice,” which include curricular content on select UN Conventions and Declarations, as well as global victimization research on human trafficking, cybercrime, and other forms of transnational crime. The most recent courses were held in Croatia, Spain, and India. Lectures include information on the pervasiveness of victimization, the overlap between victimization and offending, and the need to protect victims who may have been coerced into committing of criminal acts connected to their vulnerabilities as victims. The curriculum emphasizes victim-centered approaches and global, evidence-based best practices. Every three years, the WSV convenes a multi-day International Symposium, held in a distinct international venue each time. The 18th WSV International Symposium, held in Gujarat, India, included a keynote lecture from a woman who was trafficked as a teenager and later became a leading activist in the fight against human trafficking. Her story provided an inspiring message on transformation and post-traumatic growth. Several sessional presentations highlighted steps taken to combat trafficking, prevent secondary victimization, and help victims rebuild their lives. Drawing on victimological knowledge and victims’ experiences, the WSV also contributes to the consultative dialogues. Government agencies and NGOs must collaborate to address the causes of trafficking, fulfil victims’ rights, and meet their needs.