Help for Christmas crime victims

THE Crime Victims Helpline is open every day over the holiday season to assist anybody affected by crime over Christmas.

The helpline will be operational between 2-4 pm and will be manned by volunteers trained to talk to victims and offer advice and support.

Experts say Christmas can be a tough time for many Dubliners, depending on their circumstances and recent life experiences, because the emotional effects of difficult events that have occurred during the year can re-emerge during the prolonged holiday time.

After the Christmas rush is over, many people feel a need to deal with issues that arose for them during the year, or at some time in the past, and that includes victims of crime.

Crime Victims Helpline Administrator, Maeve Ryan, explained why the holidays can be difficult for those affected by criminal activity.

“People may not always be able to deal with the emotional effect of a crime immediately after it occurs,

? she said.

“In fact it may take some time for people to realise that they have been affected by a crime, and it could be months later that they decide to talk to someone about it.

“In the lull between Christmas and resuming their normal routine people may have time to take a first step in dealing with the effects of a crime.

“We will be available if they would like to call and have a chat over the phone. We can provide emotional support, and information on the criminal justice system.

“We can also put people in touch with local and specialist services for victims of crime.

?

Callers can contact the Helpline at any time and leave a message and a volunteer will return their call at a convenient time.

The Helpline number is FreePhone 116 006. The number for texts is 085-1337711.