More funding allocated to groups who support victims of crime

More funding has been allocated to organisations working with victims of crime, a Fine Gael Senator has announced.

Senator Emer Currie said the new fund of €5.25 million will go towards aiding more than 65 organisation who work with victims of crime.

“The work of organisations in Dublin, and all across the country that help victims of crime is outstanding,” she says.

“They provide support, information and advice on the rights of victims, outreach work, court accompaniment and crime victim helplines.”

The allocations range from €3,000 to €740,000, and they cover national and larger organisations such as Women’s Aid, Ruhama, and One in Four; local organisations working with victims such as Domestic Violence Support, Women’s Refuge and Rape Crisis outlets; general victims support organisations including Victim Support at Court; and specialist organisations including Migrant Rights Centre and Dignity 4 Patients.

“There is an increased budget of €5.8m allocated to the Department of Justice specifically for victims of crime in 2023, and the remaining funding will be made available later in the year once further service need assessments have been completed,” Senator Currie said.

Last October, the Department of Justice invited applications for funding from registered charities, voluntary community groups, and other organisations which provide services – or plan to provide services – supporting victims in the criminal justice system.

Funding is given to organisations that meet the objectives and that can show they have the required management and compliance policies and procedures in place.

The Department of Justice currently funds a number of NGOs that provide supports for victims of crime on a multi-annual basis.

These agreements aim to assist the organisations with their long-term planning and cash flow, and to ensure more effective and efficient use of funding.

These organisations will see an increase in funding of 7.9 percent in 2023.

“The services provided by these organisations are extremely important, but increased costs and inflation have caused some difficulties – that is why this funding comes at a crucial time,” Senator Currie says.

“Where organisations sought an increase on last year’s funding, they have been granted a 5pc cost-of-living increase, at a minimum.

“Developing a victim-centred criminal justice system which prioritises the needs and experience of the victim underpins our commitment to building stronger, safer communities and this funding is a significant element of that,” Senator Currie concluded.