The manual on model practices for the identification, needs assessment and referral of victims is a result of a research effort by a transnational team of academics, policy makers and practitioners, including representatives of the Center for the Study of Democracy. It distills EU law standards, regarding the identification, needs assessment and referral mechanisms for victims, compares them with findings about the situation in a number of Member States and points to model practices from police, medical and social authorities, as well as NGOs, which best reflect the spirit of European standards and serve the needs of victims in an adequate and comprehensive manner.