“The Smile of the Child” at the Annual International Victim Support Europe Conference: Greek Expertise with a Strong European Impact in Victim Support

“The Smile of the Child” actively participated in the annual international conference of Victim Support Europe titled “The Frontliners: Functional, Funded, Future-Ready”, which took place in Paris on 2–3 June, representing Greece in a leading European forum dedicated to the future of victim support.

The Organization was represented by its President, Mr. Costas Yannopoulos, and Ms. Stavroula Spiropoulou, Psychologist and Coordinator of its National Center for Abuse and Exploitation, who presented the holistic intervention model developed and implemented by “The Smile of the Child” to support children, adults and families who have been victims of criminal acts.

The conference brought together leaders, frontline professionals, policymakers, researchers and organizations from across Europe and beyond, with the aim of exploring how victim support services can remain effective, sustainable and resilient in the years ahead. Within this international environment, the presence of “The Smile of the Child” highlighted both Greece’s contribution and the unique expertise the Organization has developed through 30 years of continuous action in the field.

The Organization’s presentation was received with great interest and appreciation, as it showcased a model that goes far beyond crisis management. It combines immediate response, psychosocial support, risk assessment, information on victims’ rights, referral to competent services and continuous follow-up, through a nationwide network of actions, services and specialized professionals.

At the heart of the Greek participation was the operation of the European Helpline for Victims of Crime 116006 by “The Smile of the Child”.  The Helpline operates free of charge, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, addressing a critical gap in Greece and ensuring that every victim of crime, as well as their family, can have immediate access to high-quality support.

The 116006 Helpline is not merely a telephone service. It serves as an entry point into a broader, holistic and coordinated system of protection and care. Through the Helpline, individuals who reach out to the Organization receive not only information or guidance, but meaningful support tailored to their needs, with respect, scientific expertise and a deeply human-centered approach.

It is particularly important to underline that “The Smile of the Child” does not simply follow European developments; it has historically contributed to shaping them. The concept of common European helpline numbers is closely linked to the Organization, with the substantial support of the then European Commissioner for Justice, Freedom and Security, Mr. Franco Frattini, as well as Missing Children Europe.

The international recognition of the Organization’s work confirms that “The Smile of the Child” is an organization with a profound social impact, specialized knowledge and proven operational capacity. It stands by every child, every family and every person in need — not in theory, but in practice, every day, across Greece.

The experience presented at the conference demonstrated at European level that effective victim support cannot be fragmented. It requires coordination, scientific expertise, availability, cooperation with competent authorities and, above all, a stable network of people and services able to respond immediately and effectively. This is precisely the model that “The Smile of the Child” has developed and continues to implement.

Through the operation of the European Helpline for Victims of Crime 116006, the Organization substantially strengthens the national framework for victim protection, while actively contributing to the European dialogue on more effective, accessible and human-centered support services.

During the conference, it was also announced that the Victims’ Rights Directive was approved by the European Parliament and endorsed by the Council of the European Union, marking an important milestone for the protection of victims, access to justice and meaningful support at European level.

“The Smile of the Child” continues to prove that the protection and support of victims is not merely an institutional responsibility. It is an act of responsibility, dignity and humanity. With experience, expertise and international recognition, the Organization remains firmly on the frontline, ensuring that no victim is left alone and that no person is deprived of the support they are entitled to receive.