THE number of crime victims seeking support jumped by a fifth last year, taking the total to almost 3,000, a report reveals.

VICTIM support groups are on a daily basis dealing with the trauma caused by a hike in house break-ins.

More than 10,000 victims of crime have called a national helpline for support over the last five years, it emerged today.

VICTIMS of physical violence and “emotional distress” — such as harassment and stalking — are legally entitled to give a victim impact statement in court.

The National Crime Victims Helpline is reminding people that it is open over the festive season.

Forty-five organisations presenting frontline services to victims of crime were granted funding to the tune of more than €1m last year.

The first element in fighting crime is to recognise the crimes that have taken place. To do this it is critical that people report crimes and not make the mistake of assuming that this would be more trouble than it is worth because nothing would happen.

NEARLY €1 million was paid out last year by the Commission for the Support of Victims of Crime, its annual report showed yesterday.