What we do
Victim Support Northern Ireland is the charity which helps people affected by crime. We offer a free and confidential service, whether or not a crime has been reported. We are an independent organisation - not part of the police, courts or any other criminal justice agency.
Each year Victim Support Northern Ireland offers help to almost 30,000 people who have been affected by crime.
These are our services:
Criminal Injuries Compensation Service
Some people are physically and/or psychologically harmed by crime. This can include enduring pain, scarring, disability and mental illness.
People who have been injured by crime are entitled to apply for compensation from the Compensation Agency. Victim Support's Criminal Injuries Compensation Service offers a free and confidential service delivered by trained staff and volunteers. Specialist advisors also offer representation at reviews, appeals and hearings.
Read more about Criminal Injuries Compensation Service on the Compensation page.
Help for Victims
Crime affects people in different ways. Some people experience anxiety, trouble sleeping, fear of being in their own home. Personal relationships can be affected. Childrens performance at school can be affected. We provide help through a network of local offices across the whole of Northern Ireland. Staff and volunteers offer emotional support, information and practical help to people who have suffered from any type of crime. Crime impacts on more than the individual victim so we also offer help to relatiives and friends. Research shows that for a lot of people, to talk through the experience is a help in itself. In addition, we have an extensive database of other services which are available to those who have experienced crime.
Read more about how we help on the Community Service page.
Help for Witnesses
Going to court can be a stressful and bewildering experience, both for the victims of a crime, their families, and for witnesses called to give evidence. Witness Service volunteers offer emotional support and practical information to people going to court. This can include offering witnesses a chance to visit the court before giving evidence, explaining court procedures, accompanying a victim or witness into the courtroom, and offering the opportunity to talk over the case when it has ended.
The Witness Service is free and confidential and is available to prosecution witnesses over the age of 18.
Read more about how we help on the Witness Support page.
