Funding for victims’ organisations boosted by 20 per cent
Organisations supporting victims of crime will receive €4.6 million in government funding for 2022, an increase of more than 20 per cent on the previous year.
More than 60 organisations will benefit from the funding, including national and larger organisations such as Barnardos, Women’s Aid and the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC), as well as local organisations, general victim support organisations and specialist organisations.
In particular, €250,000 has been allocated to a number of organisations including Doras and Men’s Development Network for training and awareness raising of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.
Justice minister Helen McEntee said: “So many organisations across the country are doing outstanding work for victims. I am pleased to announce this funding to increase their ability to provide supports and services as victims engage with the criminal justice system.
“I am working to build a victim-centred criminal justice system where victims know they will be treated with respect and dignity when they come forward to report what happened to them. A fear of the system, or how someone in it might treat you, should never stop a victim seeking justice.
“I believe that many of the reforms I am introducing, such as preliminary trial hearings and training for frontline staff in the legal system, will help victims. But increased funding for organisations that offer services such as court accompaniment and helplines for victims, as announced today, is also vital.”