On October 1st, AdVIC attended the launch of the Report Supports and Experiences of Victims of Crime produced by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice, Home Affairs and Migration.
We are grateful we could be part of the process and for being invited to share and represent victims of homicide.
The Committee produced 47 recommendations, including further reform of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme (CICT), investment in early trauma intervention and violence prevention, restorative justice, better coordination across services, and the pilot of integrated victim-support hubs offering one-stop access to information, advocacy, counselling and practical supports
Among the recommendations, we particularly welcome:
- the recommendation on sustainable funding for victim-support organisations, including counselling, psychological and trauma-recovery supports for victims of serious crime and families bereaved by homicide
- the recommendation for enhanced supports for families bereaved by homicide — counselling, advocacy, information and practical assistance delivered in a coordinated, trauma-informed way
- the establishment of an Independent Victims’ Commissioner or Ombudsman with the powers and resources to promote victims’ rights, monitor standards and improve accountability
The full report can be read here
A significant milestone has been reached and there is clearly a shared dedication and commitment to further changes. At the launch the Committee shared that talking to victims, survivors and organisations was an eye-opening experience – realising how often victims are overlooked by the system and how their needs are not given the consideration they deserve.
We want to acknowledge and thank the Justice Committee for their work and understanding. We are now eager to see how these recommendations will be implemented and when they will be translated into everyday reality and practice for victims – so that they do not remain only on paper, but become the beginning of important and lasting change.