Victim Support Services

The Garda National Protective Services Bureau (GNPSB) provides advice, guidance and assistance to Gardai investigating the following: Sexual Crime Investigation; Online Child Exploitation Investigation; Child Protection; Domestic Abuse Intervention and Investigation; Human Trafficking Investigation; Organised Prostitution Investigation; Specialist Interview; Missing Persons; and Support for Victims of Crime. The Bureau leads the investigation in more complex cases.

The Bureau also liaises with relevant Government Departments, State Bodies and voluntary groups, embracing the essential multi-agency approach to tackling these crimes and their causes. Primary considerations in these cases are the protection and welfare of the victims, while ensuring the proper investigation of the alleged activities.

Contact the GNPSB at:

Garda National Protective Services Bureau,

Garda Headquarters,

Harcourt Square

Dublin 2 (01) 6663430 / gnpsb@garda.ie

Victim Support Organisations

An Garda Síochána is committed to supporting victims and witnesses, however we are aware that sometimes more support is needed than we can offer. Therefore, when a crime is reported to us we will provide details of independent victim support organisations. These organisations help anyone affected by crime – not just victims and witnesses, but their friends, family and other people caught up in the aftermath.

These independent free victim support services, including the Crime Victims Helpline, are available countrywide. The Crime Victims Helpline is a confidential national helpline that offers support to victims of crime in Ireland. By calling the freephone helpline number 116 006 a wide range of support services can be accessed by speaking confidentially to one of the trained volunteers. The helpline can provide details of victim support services available both nationally and locally, including specialist services for victims of particular crimes such as domestic violence, sexual abuse and rape.

Click this link for more details on various local and national victim support organisations.

Legal Support and advice

The Legal Aid Board gives legal aid and advice in civil cases to persons who cannot afford to pay. Most of their work is in the area of family law and domestic violence. They deliver their services through a network of full-time and part-time law centres throughout the country. These centres are staffed by their solicitors. They also contract private solicitors to provide services for them. They have an advice service for victims of rape and other serious sexual assault cases as well as trafficking cases.

For more information contact:

Legal Aid Board

Quay Street,

Cahirciveen,

Co. Kerry

(066) 947 1000 / www.legalaidboard.ie / info@legalaidboard.ie

Useful contact numbers

Courts Service

Information Office,

Phoenix House,

15 /24 Phoenix Street North,

Smithfield,

Dublin 7

(01) 888 6000 / www.courts.ie

Communications and Victims Liaison Unit

Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Infirmary Road,

Dublin 7

(01) 858 8444 / dpp@dppireland.ie / www.dppireland.ie

Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme

Department of Justice,

Bishop’s Square,

Redmond’s Hill,

Dublin 2, D02 TD 99.

(01) 479 0290 / Website www.gov.ie/criminalinjuries

Feedback, thanks and complaints

An Garda Síochána strives to deliver a consistent service to all victims of crime in a non-discriminatory manner. To help us achieve this, your feedback is important. We understand that in order to improve our service, we need to listen and respond to the needs and views of victims and others who utilise the services of An Garda Síochána you can email the Garda National Protective Services Bureau.

If we do not meet your expectations

If you are not satisfied with our service as a victim or if you have any questions, suggestions or feedback on any aspect of your treatment by members of the Garda Síochána, please do not hesitate to contact your local Garda Superintendent or your Divisional Garda Victim Service Office during business hours. Contact details are available here or in the telephone directory (green pages) under 'An Garda Síochána'.

You may also refer a complaint to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) who are based at 150 Abbey Street Upper Dublin 1 and can be contacted on 0818 600 800 / (01) 871 6727 / info@gsoc.ie / www.gardaombudsman.ie

Useful documents for victims of crime

We have included links to some useful documents below that may assist with any queries in relation to An Garda Síochána and victims of crime.