The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Mr Michael McDowell, T.D., today welcomed the granting of almost Euro 700,000 in 2005 by the Commission for the Support of Victims of Crime to 28 victim support groups.

The Minister said "In March 2005 I established the Commission for the Support of Victims of Crime to ensure that we take account of the needs of those unfortunate enough to be victims of crime but who can often feel forgotten or sidelined in the criminal justice process. 

I would like to commend the Commission, under the Chairmanship of Jim McHugh, for the progress they have made thus far in identifying the broad range of needs of victims of crime and in disbursing funding to groups who are providing invaluable services to victims of crime and victims' families and friends.

The Commission have funding of almost Euro 1.1 million for disbursal to victim support groups in 2006 and I understand that they will shortly be making a further call for applications for funding.  I strongly urge groups to submit their proposals to the Commission at that time".  

The Minister also paid tribute to volunteers at local level who have worked tirelessly for many years, largely unheralded and unrecognised, to provide a service to victims of crime.  He said that their sense of responsibility and support for their community deserves the praise, admiration and support of both society in general and Government in particular.  

A list of groups that received funding in 2005 is attached.

31 January 2006

 

Table of groups receiving funding (PDF 24 KB)

 

Note to Editors

In March 2005 the Minister established the Commission for the Support of Victims of Crime with a remit to:

(a) devise an appropriate support framework for victims of crime into the future and

(b) disburse funding for victim support measures.

The Commission's term of office is for three years and its members are:

 

The Commission's remit includes the examination of all aspects of the provision of services for victims of crime within the criminal justice system.  These provisions are set out in the Victims Charter of 1999 which the Commission is currently reviewing. 

The Commission supervises the disbursement of funds to community and other voluntary groups providing victim services, with a particular emphasis on the funding of activities on the ground that provide direct supports for victims of crime.

In 2005 the Commission granted funding for measures to support victims of various crimes including sexual violence, domestic violence, murder, human trafficking and general crime.  Funding of Euro 85,750 was granted in 2005.