Opening of the New National Centre for Victims of Violence – Welcoming, Listening to and Assisting All Victims of Violence

From 29 April 2025, the CNVV will provide unconditional access, a professional and compassionate welcome, on-site outpatient care, and ensure that emergency care is offered as swiftly as possible to any victim — adult or minor — of physical, sexual or psychological violence. The aim of this innovative project is to enhance the support available to victims through a multidisciplinary team offering assistance and comprehensive care at a single location, in collaboration with operational partners. This care is based on four pillars:

• Psychosocial support
• Medical assistance
• Police intervention and facilitation of filing complaints
• Legal information

The new centre serves as a complementary contact point within the national victim support network, offering reception, listening services, and targeted assistance tailored to the needs of each individual, particularly outside the regular office hours of existing services. Where necessary, the centre will also refer victims to specialised services for medium- and long-term follow-up.

Today marks the launch of the CNVV’s pilot phase, with the medium-term goal of expanding its services to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week from 2026.

The Minister for Gender Equality and Diversity, Yuriko Backes, began by expressing her gratitude to the representatives of the Luxembourg Red Cross, the associated ministries, the police, the judicial authorities, and field partners for their constructive contributions to the design and implementation of this new structure. According to the Minister, the CNVV can only realise its full potential through the synergy of all stakeholders to guarantee optimum care for victims of violence.

Minister Backes emphasised that the creation of the CNVV is a historic achievement, forming part of the government’s programme and responding to long-standing demands from national and international actors, particularly GREVIO (the Council of Europe’s Group of Experts on Action against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence).

The Minister stated: 'For me, this project is a heartfelt initiative aimed at improving and professionalising the journey of victims in Luxembourg, while preventing re-victimisation. My message is clear: you are not alone — help is available! This slogan must not be ignored. I am convinced that the CNVV offers real added value to the existing network.'

Claude Meisch, Minister for Education, Children and Youth, said he was: 'Delighted that the CNVV also welcomes children and young people who are victims of violence. Offering them a safe and nurturing environment represents a strong commitment to our national policy for children's rights. Thanks to the involvement of the Office National de l'Enfance, we will be able to ensure rapid, coordinated care tailored to the needs of young victims.'

Elisabeth Margue, Minister of Justice, who has been involved in the CNVV’s development from the outset, stressed: 'Since the start of my mandate, I have made the fight against violence a priority, undertaking appropriate reforms, particularly concerning domestic and sexual violence. With the creation of this centre, we are adopting a holistic, victim-centred approach, bringing together essential resources and support under one roof. Every victim will have access to the legal information they require.'

Martine Deprez, Minister for Health and Social Security, highlighted: 'No one should have to face violence alone. The CNVV is a concrete response to this urgent need and marks an important step towards improving the structure of support pathways. It offers listening, guidance, and rapid access to appropriate medical care, particularly through emergency services. This pilot project demonstrates the strength of inter-institutional collaboration in serving victims.'

Ashanti Berrend, Head of the Luxembourg Red Cross’s CNVV, reiterated: 'The CNVV represents a major step forward for victims of violence, with a multidisciplinary team providing assistance, referral services, and the possibility of comprehensive care at a single location.'

Press release from the Ministry for Gender Equality and Diversity, the Ministry of Education, Children and Youth, the Ministry of Health and Social Security and the Ministry of Justice