Special Protections

While investigating your case, the Gardaí will decide whether you need special supports or protections.

Among the things they will consider when making their decision are your personal circumstances and the type and circumstances of the crime.

If you have been the victim of certain types of crime, you are more likely to need special protection. These crimes include terrorism, organised crime, human trafficking, gender-based violence, violence in close relationships and sexual violence.

Victims of hate crimes may also need special protection. Hate crimes are crimes with a bias or discriminatory motive related to your age, gender, gender identity or expression of it, ethnicity, race, religion, sexual orientation or health.

Victims with a disability or who have problems communicating may also be identified as needing special protections.

You should let the Gardaí know if you think you have any special protection needs.

Special protections and supports can include:

  • Interviews conducted in a location specially designed or adapted for the purpose.
  • Interviews conducted by someone who has specialised training.
  • The trial may take place without the presence of the general public. However, if the judge orders the public not be allowed, members of the press may still have the right to be present.
  • While testifying in court, you have a right to avoid contact with the offender. This could mean testifying from behind a screen or from a different room over a video link.
  • You cannot be cross-examined about your private life if it is not related to the criminal offence.

Child Victims

Child victims (anyone under the age of 18) are automatically presumed to need special protections.
Special protections and supports for children can include:

  • The Gardaí must consider your child’s best interests, including the child’s views or concerns.
  • Interviews conducted by the Gardaí with your child may be recorded and then may be used in criminal proceedings as evidence.
  • A special representative may be appointed for your child when a family member or guardian has been charged with, or is under investigation for, an offence relating to your child.
  • A child has a right to access support services, free of charge. These support services may include counselling.
  • Interviews conducted in a location specially designed or adapted for the purpose.
  • Interviews conducted by someone who has specialised training.
  • The trial may take place without the presence of the general public. However, if the judge orders the public not be allowed, members of the press may still have the right to be present.
  • While testifying in court, your child has a right to avoid contact with the offender. This could mean testifying from behind a screen or from a different room over a video link.
  • Your child cannot be cross-examined about their private life if it is not related to the criminal offence.

Find out more

Victim’s
Charter

The Department of Justice has created a Victims Charter that describes what victims can expect from the criminal justice system.

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When you
report a Crime

When you first contact the Gardaí (Irish police) or the Garda Ombudsman Commission, you are entitled to be offered a wide range of information.

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At Court

When a case makes its way to court, victims have a number of rights to help protect them from repeat victimisation.

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If Your Rights
Aren’t Respected

In Ireland, no one person or organisation is responsible for receiving and investigating complaints that a victims’ rights have been violated. However, there are a few steps that you can take if you think your rights have not been respected. 

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Get Help Now

We can tell you about support services available in your local area for victims of crime. We can also tell you about specialist services for victims of particular crimes, such as domestic violence, sexual assault, and homicide.

Support Services

If you or a friend or family member has been impacted by crime, there are a number of organization in Ireland who can help.