Victims Charter

The Department of Justice has created a Victims Charter that describes what victims can expect from the criminal justice system. It explains all of the organisations that a victim may encounter and highlights supports that are available to victims of crime.

The Victims Charter is available here in pdf format or you can visit the Victims Charter website.

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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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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.

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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

The Crime Victims Helpline is a listening and support service for victims of crime in Ireland. We provide time and space for victims to talk about their experiences. We also answer questions about the criminal justice system and help victims understand their rights.

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.