FEDERATION FOR VICTIM ASSISTANCE
Have you been the victim of a crime or have you or members of your family had a traumatic experience?
If so, Victim Assistance is here to help and support you. Our services are free and confidential and we provide caring, practical, and emotional support. Contact us on:
FREEPHONE:
1800 277 477
or
TEXT
083 31 231 028
GET INVOLVED
Support us
Our Knowledge, is your Advantage
Helping you Cope after Crime
TESTIMONIALS
*Names have been changed to preserve anonymity, pictures are stock photos – but the stories and experiences are real
michael- support after assault
“Always at the end of the phone”
Mary- support after break-in
“I felt safe again in my own home”
Martin - support after Bullying
“My whole experience is one of incredible support”
Mary - support after traumatic incident
“Attentive, sympathetic and genuinely interested in our story”
supporting victims
The Federation for Victim Assistance is a voluntary organisation founded in 2005, that offers a range of services designed to assist victims and those that have experienced a traumatic incident, in coping with the effects of crime and trauma. The service is also available to Victims’ family members. We also promote awareness and campaign across a broad range of issues concerning Victims of Crime. While we do not provide financial assistance, our service is free and confidential.
Our Volunteers are the lifeblood of our organisation, are fully trained, Garda Vetted and are governed by the Constitution of the Federation for Victim Assistance and abide by the Federations Code of Conduct.
We can be contacted directly and in confidence at any time on our Freephone number 1800 277 477 (Text 083 31231028) or during working hours at 094 9000251. Where possible, we try and reply to all queries within 24 hours. You can also email us at support@victimassistance.ie
Victim Assistance is a Registered Charity: CHY NO 20062927.
making a donation
Your support is vital to ensure we can continue to offer and expand our services and your donations really make a difference. Our online donations gateway is secure, you can donate anonymously if you wish, and you’ll receive an email receipt (and our gratitude!)
What we do
Our Services
text or call back
It could not be easier to contact any of our branches Simply, ring 1800 277 477 and if busy, leave a voicemail (Many of our volunteer coordinators work during the day and would be unable to man the phone full time) or text the number requesting a call-back. If there is a convenient time for you to be contacted at please say so in your message. Where possible we try to reply to all queries within 24 hours.
You may also email our National Office support@victimassistance.ie with your query in confidence.
VICTIM COURT ACCOMPANIMENT
Attending Court as a victim or a witness can be traumatic and not an enjoyable experience. We liaise with other organisations and can provide a court accompaniment service which helps people cope with their visit. The layout of the court and the procedures involved are explained and the victim is accompanied throughout the day. (Please note, this service should be requested as soon as the court appearance date becomes available to facilitate our volunteers availability)
home visits
On many occasions, we find that victims would like to speak with someone face to face. A home visit may be arranged by contacting the branch number or the national office (see text or call back section above). The visit may take place at the victim’s home or another public place at a mutually convenient time. All our visitors travel in pairs.
liason with other agencies
Some people may find the experience of becoming a victim of crime overwhelming. Should the need arise and with the permission of the victim, our volunteers may liaise with other bodies on their behalf.
These agencies may include some of the following:
An Garda Síochána, Courts Service
D.P.P., Prison Service, HSE
Solicitor, Criminal Injuries Compensation, Tribunal, Other Victims Groups
referral
On occasion, we may be aware of another organisation that may be in a better position to help you recover from your ordeal. We would refer you on to such an organisation only after consulting with you and only with your permission.
We need YOU !
Our volunteers are a vital part of our service. Learn more below
Events
FUNDRAISING CONCERT
Featured Artist: John McNicholl
Special Guest: Sandy Kelly
Location: Town Hall Theatre,
Claremorris, Co. Mayo F12 X4E3
Date: 18.05.2023
Learn
Victim Assistance Blog
Sincere gratitude to Victim Assistance
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Victim Assistance. What a wonderful organisation! They gave me hope at a time in my life I so desperately needed it. Being a victim of crime, it’s difficult to know how you will cope or where you can turn to. I was...
Christmas 2022 Draw Winners
The winners of our Christmas Draw are as follows: 1st: Alice Kelly, Treenkeel, Kiltimagh 2nd: Jim Wilson, Claremorris 3rd: James McGowan, Charlestown 4th: Mary McHale, Turlough, Castlebar 5th: Marie Kilcullen, Claremorris 6th: Caroline Lennon, Barnacoogue, Swinford...