Serious research in victimology in Europe began in the 1970's. Countries prominent in this area include Germany, England, and the Netherlands. Findings of victim surveys and studies of psychological victimization effects and the criminal justice system's response to victims have had a vital role in reforming the criminal justice systems of various countries. Most European jurisdictions have introduced new rights on the basis of these insights. An elaborate system of victim support units has developed throughout Europe. In addition, the legal entity called the European Forum for Victim Services was established in 1990 and now has 17 member organizations from 15 countries. The Forum's accomplishments have included the publication of documents on victims' rights. The next challenge in victim issues in Europe is to determine how to ensure effective implementation of legal provisions. The final trend in Europe is the relatively moderated way in which organizations have sought reform. New provisions have been introduced step by step to reduce secondary victimization and to promote victim compensation. The currently available empirical data suggest that this type of strategy is most likely to be successful in further improving the position of crime victims. 19 references