Empowering Youth: Insights on Targeted Support for Young Victims of Crime

In Conversation With Marcel Wientjen, Programme Manager at Slachtofferhulp Nederland (Victim Support Netherlands)

In an exclusive interview, Marcel Wientjen of Victim Support Netherlands reveals the struggles faced by young victims of crime and identifies the support they urgently need. Highlighting both their vulnerabilities and developmental challenges, Wientjen uncovers effective strategies that empower these young victims. Discover the innovative solutions and efforts driving the change in young survivors’ lives.

Marina Kazakova, VSE: Marcel, could you explain the challenges faced by young victims of crime today?

Marcel Wientjen, Slachtofferhulp Nederland: Our research has found that many young victims feel unheard, that they do not receive appropriate assistance, and they feel misunderstood. As they may also feel ashamed or stigmatized, they are reluctant to seek help. Furthermore, as navigating the legal system can be confusing, young victims are not always able to understand the legal process or to adequately access their rights.

Marina Kazakova, VSE: From your perspective, what are the unique vulnerabilities that leave young people particularly susceptible to victimization?

Marcel Wientjen, Slachtofferhulp Nederland: Several important factors contribute to vulnerability in young people, including the hormonal changes and brain development which occur during this phase of their lives. These changes heighten their sensitivity to stimuli and result in more spontaneous reactions. As young people explore their identities and personal boundaries, they may experiment with sex, alcohol, and drugs.

However, because of their ongoing brain development, they may not fully understand the consequences of their actions, or accurately assess potential risks and dangers. Their peers replace the roles played by parents, teachers, and other adults as they strive for independence.

Marina Kazakova, VSE:  How do societal perceptions and attitudes towards young victims of crime impact their recovery and empowerment?

Marcel Wientjen, Slachtofferhulp Nederland: Younger victims are particularly vulnerable, and therefore societal perceptions and attitudes can significantly affect their recovery and empowerment. If ‘society’ has a tendency to blame young victims for the situations they find themselves in, this can lead to self-blame which impedes their psychological healing.

Therefore, it is crucial that peer support, counselling, and legal aid are available, that young people understand they are not alone in their experiences, and that speaking out, especially with peers of the same age, can be empowering.

Marina Kazakova, VSE: Do you have an example of an effective support programme or intervention that is aimed at empowering young victims of crime? What makes such programmes successful?

Marcel Wientjen, Slachtofferhulp Nederland: It is important that young people know where to look for help, whether for online fraud, threats, sexual abuse, or traffic accidents. The most effective organizations provide them with non-judgmental support and ensure young people feel heard, no matter what kind of (psychosocial or legal) issue is being addressed. At Slachtofferhulp Nederland, we’ve developed a programme that encompasses a youth platform, peer support, social media outreach, school collaborations, and strategic partnerships. However, empowering young victims to activate their own networks remains a paramount activity and our website offers guidance on opening discussions with friends and family, and on promoting resilience.

Marina Kazakova, VSE: In your opinion, what role can educational institutions play in providing targeted support to young victims of crime?

Marcel Wientjen, Slachtofferhulp Nederland: Educational institutions play a pivotal role wherever young people gather. Staff can assess students’ well-being and make referrals when support is required but not sought. Staff can raise awareness by teaching students about victimhood and the actions to take if victimized and by including the topic in curriculum materials. Additionally, they can establish safe spaces where young people can seek assistance and be connected with relevant support organizations.

Marina Kazakova, VSE: How do cultural or socioeconomic factors influence the experiences of young victims of crime; how can support initiatives address these factors?

Marcel Wientjen, Slachtofferhulp Nederland: Statistics Netherlands (CBS) data from 2021, shows that victims are more often from a non-Western migrant or second-generation background than those with Dutch origins or from the Netherlands. Additionally, children with a non-Western migrant background are at an increased risk of child abuse.

Various studies indicate that children with a migrant background are at greater risk of becoming victims at school, though the victimization of immigrant children often goes unnoticed by parents and schools. People with a migrant background are not easily reached by care providers; furthermore, help may be prematurely terminated due to inappropriate contact.

However, this does not mean that support is not required; people with a non-Western migrant background have a greater need for emotional support than other groups. Foreign-speaking clients often have smaller social networks in the Netherlands with whom to discuss their experiences. Furthermore, varying cultural views on victimhood can affect how individuals perceive their own victimization and the support they expect from family and friends.

Marina Kazakova, VSE: What are the potential barriers preventing young victims of crime from seeking or receiving the support they need, and how can these barriers be overcome?

Marcel Wientjen, Slachtofferhulp Nederland: Young people often make fewer victimisation reports (to the police and aid organisations) than adults. Reluctance can stem from feeling the issue is resolved, preferring the support of family or friends, or not knowing where to seek help, etc. Guilt, shame, fear of blame, or doubts about the seriousness of the incident are also cited as reasons not to submit a report.

Overcoming these barriers requires raising awareness about victimization, ensuring victims understand it’s not their fault, and preventing secondary victimization, such as victim blaming.

Marina Kazakova, VSE: Can you discuss the importance of stakeholder collaboration, between law enforcement agencies, social services, and community organizations, in supporting young victims of crime?

Marcel Wientjen, Slachtofferhulp Nederland: Stakeholder collaboration provides young victims with comprehensive support throughout their journey, whether it be legal or psychosocial. By coordinating efforts and better understanding victims’ needs, we can enhance their experience of the justice system and ensure a smoother recovery period. We must not leave young victims without support because of any lack of services or information, we must ensure they receive the assistance they require.

Marina Kazakova, VSE: How can technology be leveraged to provide innovative solutions for supporting and empowering young victims of crime?

Marcel Wientjen, Slachtofferhulp Nederland: At Slachtofferhulp Nederland we recently rolled out a series of innovative solutions, to better reach and assist young people, including:

1. A youth platform https://www.slachtofferhulp.nl/hulp-bij-jouw-situatie/ with easy to access information about victims’ experience.
2. Using WhatsApp and chats for young people seeking help.
3. Online community https://community.slachtofferhulp.nl/jongeren
4. Stories that can be seen via video content on our website, YouTube and social media channels, such as TikTok and Instagram
5. Videos explaining victimhood, your rights as a victim, the criminal process, and reasons to report a crime https://www.slachtofferhulp.nl/hulp-bij-jouw-situatie/

Marina Kazakova, VSE: In your experience, which key strategies promote resilience and foster empowerment among young individuals suffering trauma following a crime?

Marcel Wientjen, Slachtofferhulp Nederland: Resilience, the ability to recover from stressful situations, is influenced by personal traits (e.g., social and problem-solving skills) and environmental factors (e.g., social support, past experiences). Thus, everyone can develop resilience, though it may fluctuate over time.

Helpful strategies include adopting a positive approach, showing a genuine interest in the victim’s life, helping them rediscover activities they enjoy, and crucially, empowering them to engage with their informal social networks.

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