---

More funds for groups that support crime victims

The Minister for Justice Simon Harris (pictured) has announced details of just over €5 million of funding for 65 organisations that support victims of crime across the country.

The €5.25 million comes from an increased €5.8 million allocation to the Department of Justice for victims of crime in 2023.

The department says that the remaining funding will be made available later in the year, once further assessments of the need for services have been completed.

The allocations range from €3,000 to €740,000, and cover:

• National and larger organisations such as Women’s Aid, Ruhama, and One in Four,
• Local organisations, such as Offaly Domestic Violence Support, Bray Women’s Refuge, and Wexford Rape Crisis,
• General victims support organisations – including Victim Support at Court, and
• Specialist organisations – including Migrant Rights Centre and Dignity 4 Patients.

The biggest allocation (€740,000) went to Ruhama, which offers support to women impacted by prostitution, sex trafficking, and other forms of commercial sexual exploitation.

Inflation difficulties

Last October, the department invited applications for funding from registered charities, voluntary community groups, and other organisations that provide services – or plan to provide services – supporting victims in the criminal-justice system.

It says that funding is given to organisations that meet the objectives, and can show they have the required policies and procedures on management and compliance in place.

Minister Harris said that the Government recognised the difficulties faced by many organisations due to increased costs and inflation.

“Where organisations sought an increase on last year’s funding, they have been granted a 5% cost-of-living increase, at a minimum,” he said.