Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan, has unveiled nearly €4 million in funding aimed at supporting victims of crime across Ireland. The funding will benefit 10 national organisations that offer crucial services to crime victims, ranging from general support to specialized assistance for victims of human trafficking and homicide.
The recipients include general victim support groups like AdVic, Crime Victims Helpline, and Victim Support at Court, as well as specialized organisations such as Missing in Ireland, Tourist SOS, and Support After Homicide. Key services dedicated to human trafficking victims, including the Immigrant Council of Ireland, Ruhama, and the Migrants Rights Centre Ireland, will also receive a portion of the funding.
Minister O’Callaghan highlighted the importance of empowering victims to report crimes with confidence, knowing they will be supported throughout the justice process. “Coming forward to report a crime can be a traumatic experience for victims, and I am determined to ensure that the criminal justice system empowers victims to have the confidence to report an offence, knowing they will be supported, informed, and treated respectfully,” said O’Callaghan in his announcement.
The funding will ensure that services remain available to victims across the country at a consistently high standard. This initiative forms part of a broader commitment to support the diverse needs of victims based on their individual circumstances.
This annual funding, under the Victims of Crime Fund, complements the recently established national agency, Cuan, which now provides funding for organisations supporting victims of domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence. The Department of Justice is also inviting applications for the 2025 funding cycle, with grants available to charities, community groups, and other organisations assisting victims through outreach, court accompaniment, and helplines.
Minister O’Callaghan concluded by reaffirming his department’s commitment to offering practical and tailored support to all victims of crime.
References:
Department of Justice, March 2025
Minister Jim O’Callaghan Picture on Wikimedia by Houses of the Oireachtas Creative Commons CC 4 0
