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11 December 2012 - Release of the 2011 Crime Victims Helpline Annual Report : in 2011 The Crime Victims Helpline had more than 6000 contacts with victims of crime. More than anything this highlights the importance of support for people when they are affected by crime. People have to cope first of all with the immediate effects of crime with which we are all familiar – the shock of the incident, the loss of property, the damage to doors and windows, the physical injuries suffered in an assault, attending hospital or medical centre, reporting to Gardaí, informing insurance, etc. To download the 2011 Report CLICK HERE
27 November, 2012 - Victim Support Tallaght recently celebrated twenty five years of service for victims of crime in south Dublin. Victim Support offers emotional support and practical guidance to victims of crime, and is a free and confidential service. The service can be contacted on 01 4599511 or by email at
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. 19 November, 2012 - "Finding Your Way" is the title of a new guide for victims following the death or serious injury of a loved one in a road traffic collision. The guide gives very useful information on the Garda investigation aftera fatal collision, and the legal proceedings which follow, with clear explanations of each step in the process. It is full of practical information that may alleviate some of the stress for people who are in this situation. It is available from PARC, and will be also be available in libraries, hospitals, health centres, Garda stations, Citizen Information Centres, etc. Copies are also available from Crime Victims Helpline. 12 November, 2012 - The National Crime Victims Helpline indicated today that it has been receiving a number of calls from people who have been duped into allowing strangers into their home. They then find that money and goods have been stolen after the ‘visitor’ has departed. Highly publicised campaigns such as the recent TV changeover, and door-to-door fundraising campaigns, create opportunities for such visits and robberies.
The national Crime Victims helpline today confirmed a 7% increase in calls to the helpline for the first quarter of 2012, with a noticeable increase in the calls related to burglary. The total calls have increased from 783 to 838. While the number of burglary related calls is not large, the underlying trend reflects the national crime statistics, which also show an increase in figures for burglary. Maeve Ryan, Co-ordinator of the National Crime Victims Helpline said today: “The recently published national crime statistics, for the first quarter of 2012, show a reduction in overall crime. However, they do show an increase in burglary, theft and fraud. This national trend is being reflected in calls to our helpline. This is a crime which can have serious effects on the people affected. One of the main effects we hear about is the fear people experience after a break-in, because once it has happened the fear is that it will happen again. There is also the loss suffered when cash, jewellery and other items are stolen. And there are many other issues such as repairs to damaged doors and windows, difficulties with insurance claims, the need to upgrade your security, and for many parents the worry about the impact of the crime on their children. We urge people who wish to have some assistance in coping with the effects of a burglary, or indeed any crime, to call us and we will be able to provide support. We can also link callers in with local services that offer face to face support.
2 May, 2012 Launch of "Supporting Safer Communities Campaign" The campaign was launched today by the Garda Commissioner, Martin Callanan. The main objective of this campaign is to engage with and raise awareness within our communities of initiatives aimed at:
An important aspect of the campaign is to ensure that all Gardaí are aware of their role in supporting crime victims and informing them of national and local support services. There has been a worrying increase in the number of burglaries reported over the last number of years, and crime prevention advice is available from An Garda Síochána. Support for anyone affected by burglary, or any crime, is available from Crime Victims Helpline on Freephone 116006. 12 April, 2012 First Fund Raiser for Crime Victims Helpline We are having our first ever fundraiser at The Laughter Lounge on Eden Quay, Dublin, on 27th April. All proceeds from the sales of tickets will go to maintaining our helpline service for victims of crime. Tickets cost €25, student rate €15. Price includes a free cocktail if you arrive before 7.30. Please call 01 4086118 if you are interested in coming along. We can promise you lots of laughs, while helpling a good cause. 4 April, 2012 Recent Crime Figures show increase in burglaries and fraud This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Information is also available from Crime Victims Helpline on Free Phone 116006 or Call Save 1850 21 14 07. Confidentiality is assured. 2 November, 2011 Crime Victims Helpline comments on recent crime statistics
The Crime Victims Helpline welcomes the overall reduction in crime figures, as published by the CSO in the recent quarterly report. The significant decrease in many serious offences is most welcome.
As probably expected at a time of economic difficulty, there is a significant increase in the number of reported ‘burglaries and related offences’ from 6,049 to 6,561 for the three month period. This means that there are a lot of people who may be distressed, angry or traumatised by their experience of this type of crime. Even when we examine the 16.8% reduction in ‘attempts or threats to murder, assaults and harassment’, it is important to note that the reduced figure is still 3,863 reported incidents for the three month period. Again this figure represents an untold amount of pain, distress and trauma to the victims of these crimes.
Maeve Ryan, helpline co-ordinator said today, “These statistics are extremely useful as they give us an insight into the wider crime levels - and whereas most people in this country are and will continue to be unaffected by crime, nevertheless many of the figures remain high and are of concern to us. One homicide is one too many.”
Maeve Ryan went on to say, “For those people who become victims of crime, it can be a very difficult experience. A robbery or burglary may seem just a statistic in the quarterly crime figures, but for the family or individual who are victims of such a crime it may represent a massive invasion into a space in which they felt safe and protected. There is an understandable sense of loss, anger, fear of a recurrence and wider implications with regard to individual confidence which can be undermined. Some people will deal with crime by talking with friends and family, while others may need some level of independent help and support. At the Crime Victims Helpline we have a good record of helping people in such circumstances, in confidence, and we can also advise on other agencies that can assist, in different situations.”
3 October, 2011 - ANNUAL REPORT (2010) LAUNCHED
The Crime Victims Helpline today launched its Annual Report for 2010, showing an annual increase of 20% in the level of contacts made with the Helpline, including contact by email, fax and text. The total number of contacts for the 12 month period was just under 3000. CLICK HERE TO VIEW/DOWNLOAD THE 2010 REPORT
The main areas of crime experienced by people who contact the helpline are: assault, 24%; property related crime, mostly burglary, 21%; sexual violence,14%; harassment, 10%; and intimidation, 6%.
Maeve Ryan Helpline Co-ordinator said today, “Our 2010 figures show the ongoing need for a service such as the Crime Victims Helpline. The majority of our callers, about 60%, required some level of emotional support. Our volunteers are trained to understand the effects of crime, and to respond to callers with care and empathy. Many callers also felt the impact of secondary victimisation, as most people struggle to cope with the complexities of the criminal justice system in the aftermath of becoming a victim of crime. Another 27% of callers mainly required information on the justice system and support services for crime victims, and we assisted with these queries. Approximately 50% of callers were from Dublin with the remainder representing every other county, at differing levels.”
Judge Gillian Hussey, Crime Victims Helpline Patron and Board member complimented the helpline volunteers. She said “We have a great team of volunteers, who provide an excellent service, at no cost to the state. These volunteers attend for training, so that they can provide the service to a required standard and then they work on the helpline and provide a much valued service”
Dublin’s Lord Mayor, Andrew Montague said at today’s launch, “I am very concerned about crime and anti-social behaviour in our communities and will be facilitating a commission on these topics during my term in office. Because of this I am especially pleased to facilitate the Crime Victims Helpline here at the Mansion House, as they launch their Annual Report. I am well aware of the work of this voluntary organisation. Crime impacts on many people in different ways and it’s so important that they have the choice of contacting an independent confidential service that can offer emotional support and assistance, as well as putting them in touch with local and specialised services for victims of crime.”
23 November, 2011 Trinity College research into the Effects of Crime
Trinity College researchers are looking for people who have experienced crime in Dublin for confidential academic interviews. They would like to chat about things like changes in behaviour or attitudes towards personal safety following an incident. These interviews would happen in at a time and place that suits the interviewee and only with full consent. The interviewee can end the interview at any moment, and there will be no pressure to answer any question. The text of the interviews will be written up for the research but without names or any identifying features. The transcribed interviews will be part of the research into the effects of crime on victims, but they will be carefully screened to exclude any information that might identify the speakers. If anyone is interested in taking part in the research, or in further information, please contact Shane Leavy of Trinity College Dublin on 086 352 5988 or Susanne Anderson (TCD) on 085 185 9384. Or email
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or
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. Information is also available from Crime Victims Helpline on Free Phone 116006 or Call Save 1850 21 14 07. Confidentiality is assured.
2 November, 2011 Crime Victims Helpline comments on recent crime statistics
The Crime Victims Helpline welcomes the overall reduction in crime figures, as published by the CSO in the recent quarterly report. The significant decrease in many serious offences is most welcome.
As probably expected at a time of economic difficulty, there is a significant increase in the number of reported ‘burglaries and related offences’ from 6,049 to 6,561 for the three month period. This means that there are a lot of people who may be distressed, angry or traumatised by their experience of this type of crime. Even when we examine the 16.8% reduction in ‘attempts or threats to murder, assaults and harassment’, it is important to note that the reduced figure is still 3,863 reported incidents for the three month period. Again this figure represents an untold amount of pain, distress and trauma to the victims of these crimes.
Maeve Ryan, helpline co-ordinator said today, “These statistics are extremely useful as they give us an insight into the wider crime levels - and whereas most people in this country are and will continue to be unaffected by crime, nevertheless many of the figures remain high and are of concern to us. One homicide is one too many.”
Maeve Ryan went on to say, “For those people who become victims of crime, it can be a very difficult experience. A robbery or burglary may seem just a statistic in the quarterly crime figures, but for the family or individual who are victims of such a crime it may represent a massive invasion into a space in which they felt safe and protected. There is an understandable sense of loss, anger, fear of a recurrence and wider implications with regard to individual confidence which can be undermined. Some people will deal with crime by talking with friends and family, while others may need some level of independent help and support. At the Crime Victims Helpline we have a good record of helping people in such circumstances, in confidence, and we can also advise on other agencies that can assist, in different situations.”
3 October, 2011 - ANNUAL REPORT (2010) LAUNCHED
The Crime Victims Helpline today launched its Annual Report for 2010, showing an annual increase of 20% in the level of contacts made with the Helpline, including contact by email, fax and text. The total number of contacts for the 12 month period was just under 3000. CLICK HERE TO VIEW/DOWNLOAD THE 2010 REPORT
The main areas of crime experienced by people who contact the helpline are: assault, 24%; property related crime, mostly burglary, 21%; sexual violence,14%; harassment, 10%; and intimidation, 6%.
Maeve Ryan Helpline Co-ordinator said today, “Our 2010 figures show the ongoing need for a service such as the Crime Victims Helpline. The majority of our callers, about 60%, required some level of emotional support. Our volunteers are trained to understand the effects of crime, and to respond to callers with care and empathy. Many callers also felt the impact of secondary victimisation, as most people struggle to cope with the complexities of the criminal justice system in the aftermath of becoming a victim of crime. Another 27% of callers mainly required information on the justice system and support services for crime victims, and we assisted with these queries. Approximately 50% of callers were from Dublin with the remainder representing every other county, at differing levels.”
Judge Gillian Hussey, Crime Victims Helpline Patron and Board member complimented the helpline volunteers. She said “We have a great team of volunteers, who provide an excellent service, at no cost to the state. These volunteers attend for training, so that they can provide the service to a required standard and then they work on the helpline and provide a much valued service”
Dublin’s Lord Mayor, Andrew Montague said at today’s launch, “I am very concerned about crime and anti-social behaviour in our communities and will be facilitating a commission on these topics during my term in office. Because of this I am especially pleased to facilitate the Crime Victims Helpline here at the Mansion House, as they launch their Annual Report. I am well aware of the work of this voluntary organisation. Crime impacts on many people in different ways and it’s so important that they have the choice of contacting an independent confidential service that can offer emotional support and assistance, as well as putting them in touch with local and specialised services for victims of crime.”
Maeve Ryan, Co-ordinator of the National Crime Victims Helpline said today, “Despite the overall positive figures there are still underlying concerns when the 12 month figures for the period, to the end of June, are compared to the previous year. This one year period shows a comparative increase of 8% in robbery, extortion and hijacking offences, with moderate increases in the incidences of theft, fraud and deception”
Maeve Ryan went on to say, “The recent quarterly figures (April-June) show a drop in burglaries by 1.4% and theft by 5.5%, which is welcome. This still leaves us with 6,156 reported burglaries, and 18, 947 theft offences, over the three month period. When we look at these statistics we can only start to understand the shock, distress and anxiety experienced by so many people, because they have indiscriminately become crime victims, through no fault of their own. At Crime Victims Helpline we hear about the impact of these crimes every day; we listen in confidence and offer assistance to all those affected when they contact us. Usually all the family members, including children, are affected by the crime of burglary, for example, and its legacy of fear and vulnerability can be experienced by all in the household. When crime involves threats or use of violence the emotional upset or trauma is likely to be even more severe”.
Maeve Ryan went on to say, “We encourage anyone who has become a victim of crime to talk about the incident to someone - and if some independent assistance is required the Crime Victims Helpline can help. We deal with and assist people every day who are experiencing emotional and practical difficulties, as a result of a crime.”
25 July, 2011 Caution advised during Summer Holiday Season
The Crime Victims Helpline today warned people to be cautious during the summer holiday season. Holidays are rightly a time when we relax. However people should be careful about withdrawing and/or carrying cash. The helpline regularly assists people who are distraught at having lost large amounts of cash as a result of a handbag snatch, or by simply having cash stolen from a handbag or pocket while enjoying a social activity.
Maeve Ryan, Service Co-ordinator, of the helpline said today, “The summer holiday season creates greater opportunity for the criminal and we must be aware of this. The Crime Victims Helpline is regularly contacted by people who have cash stolen from them personally or from their home. This can be extremely distressing for people as the money taken is intended specifically for a holiday or some special purchase. It is not advisable to carry around cash on your person. ATM machines are accessible 24 hours a day and most people have some form of debit or credit card. When accessing ATM machines be careful about the location of the machine and where possible look for a machine that is located inside a store rather than one on the street”.
Maeve Ryan went on to say, “Many burglaries are opportunistic and occur while people are out of the house or away on holiday. We advise that people take every possible precaution when going away on holiday, by ensuring that all doors and windows are securely locked, that neighbours know that they are away, and that is not obvious to a person passing by that the house is empty. If there is a house alarm people should be sure that it is activated, and that someone will be aware if the alarm goes off and will take appropriate action.
We also receive calls from people who have had their holiday ruined by other crimes such as assault; assaults and sexual assaults are more likely to occur in alcohol fuelled environments. Men and women are more vulnerable to these crimes if they are out late at night, and particularly if they are out alone or have become separated from their friends."
12 July, 2011 Support after Crime Services launched a new website on Friday, 8 July. The website can be accessed at www.supportaftercrimeservices.ie. This service offers support to victims of crime, witnesses, and people affected by crime. The service is available in Cork, Limerick, Waterford, Clare and Tipperary. The website has information on the effects of crime, and on the criminal justice system.
23 May 2011 Recent Crime Figures show worrying increase in Burglary, Theft and Fraud
Having evaluated the most recent crime statistics, the National Crime Victims Helpline is concerned about the increase in crime in three categories, namely burglary, theft and fraud. Burglary and related offences have incrased by 8.5% over the first qusrter of 2011 when compared to the same period in 2010. More that 27,000 people have been affected by this type of crime in the first three months of this year.
Maeve Ryan, co-ordinator of the National Crime Victims Helpline said today, " It seems that our current economic circumstances may be leading to an increase in burglary, theft and fraud. These crimes can be hugely stressful for many people and there can also be significant loss of cash and other goods. While regarded as 'less serious crimes' the effects are often serious and prolonged for the people who have to cope with the aftermath of such crimes. At Crime Victims Helpline we hear every day about the shock and the anxiety that follow a break-in to the family home. Usually all the family members, including children, are affected by this crime and the legacy of fear and vulnerability which it leaves behind. When the crime involves threats or use of violence the emotional upset or trauma is likely to be even more severe.
Maeve Ryan went on to say, "We encourage anyone who has become a victim of crime to talk about the incident to someone - and if some independent assistance is required the Crime Victims Hlepline can help. We deal with and assist people every day who are experiencing emotional and practical difficulties as a result of a crime."
22 March 2011 Crime Victims Helpline welcomes commitment to victims of crime in the Programme for Government
The National Crime Victims Helpline has welcomed the commitment in the programme for government to enact legislation to strengthen the rights of victims of crime. Maeve Ryan, Helpline co-ordinator said today, "Victims of crime have very few rights in the Criminal Justice System. This commitment in the programme for government to ensure that victims of crime are 'at the heart of the justice system' is very good news. Many callers to our Helpline feel alienated and isolated by their contact with the justice system; there is little recognition of the importance of the part played by victims of crime in reporting crime and giving evidence in court. This promised legislation could profoundly change the experience of many victims by recognising their central role in the criminal justice system, and by acknowledging the significant impact of crime - even 'minor' crime - on victims and on their families."
Maeve Ryan went on to say, "It is now accepted within the EU that citizens who are subjected to crime, through no fault of their own, are entitled to recognition and respect within the criminal justice system. We hope that the promised legislation will ensure that appropriate information, assistance and support will be provided by right to victims of crime. The National Crime Victims Helpline had a 20% increase in calls from service users in 2010, whcih could be attributed to greater awareness of the service. We receive very positive feedback from our service users on the assitance we can offer and provide. Many people will deal with the after effects of crime by talking with family and friends; however some will prefer an independent service where they can speak openly about their feelings and their needs - and we provide this.
23 November 2010 New EU Harmonised Free Phone for Crime Victims Helpline, it’s 116 006
The National Crime Victims Helpline today announced its new EU harmonised helpline number, 116 006. This new number has been designated for use by victims of crime who need assistance in EU countries. Ireland is the first country where this number is operational; plans are under way to have the number in service shortly in Austria, Germany, Denmark and Finland. This forms part of an overall EU harmonisation of numbers for services that are of social value, including helplines for children and for people who need emotional support.
Maeve Ryan, Service Co-ordinator, C.V.H said today, “This is a very positive development for victims of crime, who will now have free access to our Helpline service. As the new 116 numbers are implemented in other countries it will also be easier for Irish people travelling within the EU to access services for victims of crime in whatever country they are in. The challenge for us now is to raise awareness of these numbers so that people who are affected by crime will be able to get the support and assistance that they need.
Maeve Ryan went on to say, “The first port of call for crime victims should, of cAourse, be the Gardaí, but for some people wider assistance and support is needed. At our helpline we endeavour to assist people of all nationalities, either directly, or by putting them in contact with agencies that can provide specific interventions. We get very positive feedback from people who use our confidential services and again we ask people who may be having difficulty dealing with the after effects of a crime to make contact with us.”
The National Crime Victims Helpline today announced a 20% increase in calls to its service in 2010. The number of calls rose to 2892, an increase of 485 on the 2009 figure. The highest number of calls relate to unprovoked assault – as has been the case in previous years. The other most common crimes underlying calls to the helpline are robbery, burglary and intimidation. According to the Central Statistics Office there are more than 200,000 reported crimes in Ireland each year, in addition it is widely accepted that a large proportion of crimes go unreported. This is a very safe country in relative terms, nevertheless many Irish people experience crime at one time or another - and will have difficulty dealing with the experience.
Maeve Ryan, Co-ordinator of the National Crime Victims Helpline said today, “We are not in a position to say why the number of calls to our helpline has increased. It may be that there is greater awareness of our service or that there is an increase in the number of crimes that generate calls, such as assault, robbery, burglary and intimidation. The overall statistics are not an issue for us, we merely focus on providing assistance to each individual caller, many of whom can be quite distressed by the experience. As we have stated previously, some people also find the entire criminal process, confusing and difficult and many callers relate experiences of being ‘kept in the dark’ and generally believing there is more support for the perpetrator than the victim. Thankfully most people who engage with the helpline say that they benefit from the interaction.”
The Crime Victims Helpline also confirmed today that it has contacted all political parties to ensure that crime victims continue to receive state support. It is now accepted within the EU that citizens who are subjected to crime, through no fault whatever of their own, are entitled to recognition and support within the Criminal Justice System. Maeve Ryan said to-day, “we will be asking the political parties to make a commitment to services for crime victims in their Election Manifestos and then to carry this through to a commitment in the Programme for Government.”
20 December 2010 Crime Victims Helpline providing services over the Christmas/New Year period
The National Crime Victims Helpline today announced that it will be providing services throughout the Xmas and New Year period. The helpline will be open every afternoon from the 25 to 31 December, inclusive, and will open as normally from 1 January.
Maeve Ryan, Helpline Co-ordinator said today, “We believe it’s important to have the helpline service available to crime victims throughout the holiday season. Thankfully for the vast majority of people Xmas is a time for family and enjoyment, but for some this Xmas will be remembered because of an assault, a break in, a handbag snatch or some other crime. In the days leading up to Xmas we advise people to be aware of the possibility of crime and to take reasonable precautions. In particular, we advise caution in regard to having amounts of cash on the person or in the home.” Maeve Ryan went on to say, “For people who have experienced crime we firstly advise them to contact the Gardaí as the information they provide may not just solve their crime but also can assist in solving other crimes or perhaps ensure that some further crime does not occur. Most people will deal with crime by having a chat with family and friends - for others independent assistance may be required. The Crime Victims Helpline provides crime victims with an opportunity to discuss their feelings in a confidential manner with a trained volunteer and many people benefit from this service every year”. 23 November 2010 New EU Harmonised Free Phone for Crime Victims Helpline, it’s 116 006
The National Crime Victims Helpline today announced its new EU harmonised helpline number, 116 006. This new number has been designated for use by victims of crime who need assistance in EU countries. Ireland is the first country where this number is operational; plans are under way to have the number in service shortly in Austria, Germany, Denmark and Finland. This forms part of an overall EU harmonisation of numbers for services that are of social value, including helplines for children and for people who need emotional support.
Maeve Ryan, Service Co-ordinator, C.V.H said today, “This is a very positive development for victims of crime, who will now have free access to our Helpline service. As the new 116 numbers are implemented in other countries it will also be easier for Irish people travelling within the EU to access services for victims of crime in whatever country they are in. The challenge for us now is to raise awareness of these numbers so that people who are affected by crime will be able to get the support and assistance that they need.
Maeve Ryan went on to say, “The first port of call for crime victims should, of cAourse, be the Gardaí, but for some people wider assistance and support is needed. At our helpline we endeavour to assist people of all nationalities, either directly, or by putting them in contact with agencies that can provide specific interventions. We get very positive feedback from people who use our confidential services and again we ask people who may be having difficulty dealing with the after effects of a crime to make contact with us.”
1 November 2010 Third Quarter Crime Figures released
The National Crime Victims Helpline today welcomed the ‘third quarter 2010 crime figures’, published at the end of last week. The figures show a reduction in several types of crime, when compared to the same period in 2009. It is of major concern to us that robbery, extortion and hijacking offences increased by 21.2% during the period – and these are serious crimes against the person. When this same crime category is examined over the past year, compared to the previous 12 months, there is a significant increase in robberies from the person – a rise of 45.3% with a total of 1783 recorded offences.
Maeve Ryan¸Service Co-ordinator, Crime Victims Helpline, said today, “There are many positives in the crime figures, published at the end of last week – and we compliment all those involved, especially An Garda Síochána. We are very conscious of the increase in ‘robbery from the person’ (45.5%) in the past year as this crime will normally represent a very difficult experience for the individual involved. It is also worth noting one of the more positive statistics – a 10% reduction in ‘attempts or threats to murder, assaults, harassments and related offences’. While the reduced quarterly figure for this crime sector is 4,284, we are concerned that so many people have been victimised by these very serious crimes. The figures indicate that over 17,000 people experienced such a crime in the past year. Again we encourage people who have experienced crime or who are dealing with the after effects of any crime to contact the Crime Victims Helpline. We are here to assist, in confidence”
20 September 2010 Over 10,000 Calls to Crime Victims Helpline over Past Five Years
The National Crime Victims Helpline celebrates its 5th anniversary this month (September). Since its establishment the helpline has had over 10,000 contacts from people all around the country who had unresolved issues in regard to crime or who required information about other agencies which could offer assistance. The Crime Victims Helpline is staffed by trained volunteers who deal with those requesting assistance on a case-by-case basis. The helpline also confirmed today that it is again seeking volunteers, living in Dublin, to assist with the service and those interested can contact
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. The service offered is confidential.
Maeve Ryan, Co-Coordinator of the Crime Victims Helpline, said today, “It is very rewarding for all of us at the helpline that we can offer assistance to so many people. People call us for all types of reasons, but most calls relate to peoples’ efforts to deal with the after effects of an assault – usually an assault in which the victim is entirely innocent and is set upon by another person or group of people. This can understandably be a terrifying experience and people affected by such crimes require varying levels of independent assistance in dealing with the many issues which emerge.”
Maeve Ryan went on to say, “We also have quite a number of callers who experience difficulty in dealing with the criminal justice system. Many victims of crime feel that the system is unwieldy and uncaring. We realise that much has been done to address this issue, but for many people there is a feeling that the perpetrator has all the support, while they are left pretty much unsupported and isolated”
20 July 2010 NEW CHARTER FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME WELCOMED
The National Crime Victims Helpline welcomes the publication of the new ‘Victims Charter and guide to the criminal justice system’ launched today. This charter is important as it clarifies the role of the different agencies involved in responding to and dealing with a crime, including the Crime Victims Helpline. Many people who are crime victims and who report the crime then find the entire investigation and court process difficult and stressful. This charter should assist in informing people clearly of what they can expect from the various organisations and agencies involved with victims of crime.
Maeve Ryan, Co-Coordinator of the Crime Victims Helpline, said today, “This Charter will assist the many people who are crime victims and who feel unsupported by the criminal justice system. When people report a crime there is then a legal process involving the state and the accused - and the person most affected by the crime is merely a witness in the case taken by the state. Many people who call our helpline find the lengthy investigation process and the court trial very stressful, and feel that they know very little about what is going on. They often see the person who has committed the crime being well supported by a legal team and they feel unsupported and isolated. We believe much has been done by different agencies to deal with this recurring problem – and this charter published today will provide further clarity.”
The Crime Victims Helpline is a confidential service providing support and information to victims of crime, and all those affected by crime. We emphasise the fact that people who call our helpline are given the time and space to talk about their experience of the crime – and this is done with empathy and without judgement. Maeve Ryan went on to say, “We also can advise people who call about relevant support services in their area and advise about specialist services for victims of particular crimes”
20 June 2010 ‘Seller Beware’, especially on the Internet………
The Crime Victims Helpline recently assisted a caller who had advertised a car for sale, which led directly to the theft of her car. The person involved has agreed that the Crime Victims Helpline can highlight this matter, as it may assist others in avoiding a similar fate. This person advertised her car for sale and later received a call from a potential male purchaser. The caller arranged a meeting with the seller, asked if he could take the car for a brief test drive and, when given the keys, drove away and did not return. The theft was reported to the Gardai but the caller subsequently found that her insurance company did not have to pay her any compensation as she had handed over the keys of the car voluntarily.
Maeve Ryan, Co-Coordinator of the Crime Victims Helpline, said today, “When this person had her car stolen, she understandably found the experience very distressing. Many people use the internet and media outlets to sell and buy items and few experience any difficulty. We are highlighting this case to make people aware of the potential dangers of selling goods to unknown customers.”
Maeve Ryan went on to say, “Our main role is to assist people who have been affected by crime. However, we now encourage people not to part with their property irrespective of how it’s advertised, until it’s paid for – and this particularly applies to a motor vehicle, which can be taken away so easily. This issue, as demonstrated by this incident, of meeting and dealing with strangers who have made contact through the internet or other media outlets, also needs to be considered, especially by women. The risk of losing property, as advertised, or perhaps becoming a victim of some other crime exists - and it is not advisable for people to engage in such a transaction without some level of obvious support. Certainly in all business transactions the ‘buyer beware” principle applies, and in this type of situation the seller should also beware as so little is known about the potential purchaser.”
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The Crime Victims Helpline welcomes the overall reduction in crime figures, as published by the CSO in the recent quarterly report. The significant decrease in many serious offences is most welcome.
As probably expected at a time of economic difficulty, there is a significant increase in the number of reported ‘burglaries and related offences’ from 6,049 to 6,561 for the three month period. This means that there are a lot of people who may be distressed, angry or traumatised by their experience of this type of crime. Even when we examine the 16.8% reduction in ‘attempts or threats to murder, assaults and harassment’, it is important to note that the reduced figure is still 3,863 reported incidents for the three month period. Again this figure represents an untold amount of pain, distress and trauma to the victims of these crimes.
Maeve Ryan, helpline co-ordinator said today, “These statistics are extremely useful as they give us an insight into the wider crime levels - and whereas most people in this country are and will continue to be unaffected by crime, nevertheless many of the figures remain high and are of concern to us. One homicide is one too many.”
Maeve Ryan went on to say, “For those people who become victims of crime, it can be a very difficult experience. A robbery or burglary may seem just a statistic in the quarterly crime figures, but for the family or individual who are victims of such a crime it may represent a massive invasion into a space in which they felt safe and protected. There is an understandable sense of loss, anger, fear of a recurrence and wider implications with regard to individual confidence which can be undermined. Some people will deal with crime by talking with friends and family, while others may need some level of independent help and support. At the Crime Victims Helpline we have a good record of helping people in such circumstances, in confidence, and we can also advise on other agencies that can assist, in different situations.”
3 October, 2011 - ANNUAL REPORT (2010) LAUNCHED
The Crime Victims Helpline today launched its Annual Report for 2010, showing an annual increase of 20% in the level of contacts made with the Helpline, including contact by email, fax and text. The total number of contacts for the 12 month period was just under 3000. CLICK HERE TO VIEW/DOWNLOAD THE 2010 REPORT
The main areas of crime experienced by people who contact the helpline are: assault, 24%; property related crime, mostly burglary, 21%; sexual violence,14%; harassment, 10%; and intimidation, 6%.
Maeve Ryan Helpline Co-ordinator said today, “Our 2010 figures show the ongoing need for a service such as the Crime Victims Helpline. The majority of our callers, about 60%, required some level of emotional support. Our volunteers are trained to understand the effects of crime, and to respond to callers with care and empathy. Many callers also felt the impact of secondary victimisation, as most people struggle to cope with the complexities of the criminal justice system in the aftermath of becoming a victim of crime. Another 27% of callers mainly required information on the justice system and support services for crime victims, and we assisted with these queries. Approximately 50% of callers were from Dublin with the remainder representing every other county, at differing levels.”
Judge Gillian Hussey, Crime Victims Helpline Patron and Board member complimented the helpline volunteers. She said “We have a great team of volunteers, who provide an excellent service, at no cost to the state. These volunteers attend for training, so that they can provide the service to a required standard and then they work on the helpline and provide a much valued service”
Dublin’s Lord Mayor, Andrew Montague said at today’s launch, “I am very concerned about crime and anti-social behaviour in our communities and will be facilitating a commission on these topics during my term in office. Because of this I am especially pleased to facilitate the Crime Victims Helpline here at the Mansion House, as they launch their Annual Report. I am well aware of the work of this voluntary organisation. Crime impacts on many people in different ways and it’s so important that they have the choice of contacting an independent confidential service that can offer emotional support and assistance, as well as putting them in touch with local and specialised services for victims of crime.”< >< >< ><-->
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