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Garda Victim Service

The Victim Service Offices will ensure victims of crime are kept informed about the progress of their case and the supports available to them. In addition, supporting all victims of crime is now part of every anti-crime strategy.

The Victim Service Offices are the central point of contact for victims of crime and trauma in each Division. They supplement victim support activity already being undertaken by investigating members of An Garda Síochána (Your local Victim Service Office).

The Offices are staffed by dedicated, specially trained personnel operating to a Standard Operating Procedure. Their role is to keep victims informed of all significant developments associated with their case, as well as provide contact details for relevant support/counselling services.

The Victim Service Offices are open between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. Victims of crime can choose between receiving contact from the Offices by phone, letter or email.

In crimes such as burglary, assault or criminal damage, victims of crime receive a follow-up call from the Victim Service Office to ensure they have all the information they require including contact details of the investigating Gardaí. Victims can also raise any issues. They will be provided with crime prevention advice and details for external services available from other State and/or Non-Governmental Agencies.

Victims of domestic violence, sexual crime or other crimes where there is trauma will continue to be given advice and support in person from investigating or specialist Gardaí.

The Offices are a practical example of how we will meet our obligations to victims under the EU Directive on Victim Rights.

To ensure a quality service is being provided to victims, An Garda Síochána will continually monitor the satisfaction of victims of crime through its quarterly Public Attitude Survey and engagement with victims and their representative groups.

The Garda Victim Service Offices (GVSO) highlights how An Garda Síochána is placing victims at the heart of the Garda Service.

There are 28 Victim Service Offices – one for each operational Garda Division. The Victim Service Offices staff are responsible for communicating with victims of crime, and prioritising their needs.

Victims of a sexual offence – releasing your counselling records

Audio Files for the Victim Information Booklet

Irish Sign Language Videos of the Victim Information Booklet

The Victim Information Booklet is also available in Braille and on audio CD. These are available to borrow on request. Please request a copy from your local Garda Victim Service Office and one can be posted to you free of charge.