Luxembourg’s National Centre for Victims of Violence Opens Doors

On Monday 28 April 2025, the inauguration of Luxembourg’s first National Centre for Victims of Violence (Centre National pour Victimes de Violences- CNVV), offering confidential outpatient emergency support to both adult and minor victims of all forms of violence, took place in Luxembourg City (3A Val Ste Croix).

Luxembourg’s Minister of Gender Equality and Diversity, Yuriko Backes, inaugurated the new centre, in the presence of Minister of Education, Children and Youth, Claude Meisch, Minister of Health and Social Security, Martine Deprez, Minister of Justice, Elisabeth Margue, Director of the Grand Ducal Police's criminal investigation department, Kristin Schmit, and representatives of the Luxembourg Red Cross.

The centre will open its doors to the public on Tuesday 29 April 2025, initially on weekday evenings, as well as on Saturdays and Sundays. It will provide medical, legal, psychosocial and police services, in one centralised location, to victims of all forms of violence (physical, sexual or psychological). If necessary, the centre can also refer victims to specialised services for medium- and long-term follow-up.

The new spacious, light-filled centre includes a reception room, rooms for resting, an infirmary, children’s area with play facilities and a laundry room. 

Minister Backes thanked all those who helped bring the centre to fruition, including the ministries involved, the Luxembourg Red Cross, the Grand Ducal Police and judicial authorities. She spoke of the importance of all services collaborating together to provide the best care for those attending the centre. She emphasised that CNVV was part of the government's programme, and a response to requests made by those involved in this area, both nationally and internationally, including the Council of Europe's Group of Experts on Action against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (Grevio).

The minister said:  "For me, this project is a heartfelt initiative that aims to improve and professionalise the care provided to victims in Luxembourg, while preventing re-victimisation. My message is clear: ‘You are not alone, there is help’. This slogan must not remain a dead letter. I am convinced that the CNVV offers real added value to the existing network in this regard."

Minister Meisch said he was "delighted that the CNVV also welcomes children and young people who are victims of violence. Providing them with a safe and caring place is a strong commitment of our national policy in favour of children's rights. Thanks to the involvement of the National Office for Children [ONE], we will be able to ensure rapid, coordinated care tailored to the needs of young victims."

Minister Margue, who was involved from the earliest stages of the development and implementation of the CNVV, emphasised that "from the beginning of my term, I have made the fight against violence a priority, initiating appropriate reforms, particularly in the areas of domestic violence and sexual violence. With the creation of this centre, we are adopting a holistic, victim-centred approach, bringing together essential resources and support in one place. Every victim will be able to obtain appropriate legal information."

Minister Deprez stated that "no one should face violence alone. The CNVV is a concrete response to this urgent need and marks an important step in our desire to better structure care pathways. It aims to provide a listening ear, guidance and rapid access to appropriate medical care, particularly through emergency services. This pilot project illustrates the strength of collaboration between institutions in the service of victims”.

Ashanti Berrend, Head of the CNVV at the Luxembourg Red Cross, explained that "the CNVV is a major step forward for victims of violence, as a multidisciplinary team offers assistance and reorientation in one place and a possibility of comprehensive support”.

Speaking to Chronicle.lu, Minister Margue explained that, in this first phase of the CNVV, victims are provided with information on their rights regarding judicial proceedings and given a list of specialised lawyers. The centre can collect evidence and retain it until the victim is ready to proceed with any judicial action. The minister stressed that the longer term goal is to have lawyers on-site, in order to centralise procedures for victims and she expressed her hope that the centre would, in time, remain open on a continuous 24 hours a day basis.

Chronicle.lu also spoke with Nadine Conrandy, Director of the Social Action and Health Department at the Luxembourg Red Cross, who emphasised the importance of the centralised nature of the centre, enabling victims to get the assistance and support required within the one setting. She confirmed that team members could provide services in English, if required, and that an interpreter would be made available by the Red Cross for any victim requiring one. 

The centre, situated close to Stäreplaz-Étoile, will be open Monday to Thursday 17:00-00:00, on Fridays from 18:00-02:00, on Saturdays from 10:00- 02:00 and on Sundays from 10:00-00:00. The centre can also be contacted via email: info.cnvv@croix-rouge.lu or tel: 2755-5315.