Who we are
Victim Support Northern Ireland is the charity which helps people affected by crime. We receive funding from the Northern Ireland Office. Currently there are some 60 paid staff and over 150 volunteers directed by a Chief Executive and managed by a Board of 12 voluntary Trustees.
Support is provided to victims and witnesses across all of Northern Ireland in offices, courthouses and outreach centres. The organisation has a central administration office in Belfast as well as 6 community offices in Ballymena, Belfast, Foyle, Lisburn, Newry and Omagh. There are also 6 court offices in Antrim, Belfast, Craigavon, Downpatrick, Dungannon and Foyle.
Why are we here: some facts about crime
According to the Northern Ireland Crime Survey (2007/08) there is a 1 in 7 chance of becoming a victim of crime.
- Reported crime has decreased by 10.5% from 2006/07, including crimes against the person which have decreased by 7.1%, however sexual crime has increased by 1.1%
- Fear of crime is high in Northern Ireland and most people perceive that crime is on the increase
- Crime is a socio-economic issue - people who are most likely to experience crime live in rented/social housing; are lone parents; regularly socialize; are young men aged between 16 and 24 years old; or live in areas with a high incidence of anti-social behaviour
- Crime is highest in urban areas with the highest levels of crime occurring in Belfast
- Only 48 % of crimes are reported to the police
Research has also shown that people who engage in crime are more likely to have been victims of crime themselves.
