Irish Examiner - 23/06/2011

12,000 crime victims get help

MORE than 12,100 victims of crime were assisted by funds disbursed through a governmental body to help those who had experienced domestic and sexual violence and other crimes. The annual report of the Commission for the Support of Victims of Crime, which was published yesterday, showed that in 2010, more than EUR1.2m was allocated to 44 voluntary organisations which are providing services and assistance to 12,173 victims of crime.

The funding includes support for the national Crime Victims Helpline.

The Government is to seek Oireachtas approval for the State to sign a draft EU directive establishing minimum standards for victims of crime.

Minister for Justice Alan Shatter today welcomed the Cabinet decision to sign up to the draft directive published by the European Commission on May 18th.He has previously discussed the matter with EU Commissioner for Justice Viviane Reding.The purpose of the directive is to ensure victims of crime receive appropriate protection and support and that they are treated in a respectful, professional and sensitive manner by public authorities.

It also creates a broader concept of what constitutes a victim of crime to encompass the families of those who die as a result of a criminal act.

"In the context of the Victims Rights Bill I am delighted to get sanction to formally bring a motion before the House on this issue. Opting in to the Victims Directive will allow Ireland to play a full role in shaping the directive in negotiations over the next 18 months," Mr Shatter said.

He also today published the fifth annual report of the Commission for the Support of Victims of Crime. The commission has been disbursing funds since 2005 to organisations engaged in supporting victims of crime. Last year, it allocated ¤1,273,696 to 44 voluntary organisations. In turn, they provided assistance to 12,173 victims of crime. The funding includes support for the national Crime Victims Helpline and organisations that provide support to victims of violence, sexual crimes, homicide, child victims, and victims of general crime.