Crime victims' advocate sues over 'bullying'

A HIGH-PROFILE advocate for crime victims is taking action against her former employer, claiming she was subjected to a campaign of bullying and harassment and forced out of her job.

In what is set to be an explosive case that will lay bare huge turmoil in one of the State's most prominent victims' association, former chief executive officer Lillian McGovern is suing Victim Support.

She is taking two separate cases, one before the Employment Appeals Tribunal, the other a civil case in the Circuit Court following what she alleges was her constructive dismissal.

Victim Support receives more than €1m in public money annually.

Dozens of clients have signed a letter sent to Justice Minister Michael McDowell outlining their concerns about the organisation over the last year since the chief executive left.

Speaking briefly ahead of a preliminary tribunal hearing, Ms McGovern said: "I am terribly saddened by what has happened within the organisation. I would not like to see anything done that would hinder the morale of the volunteers." Ms McGovern, who was the public face of Victim Support after her appointment to the top post in 1998, claims in tribunal and court documents she was forced out of the organisation after she attempted to make it more professional.

She believes her position became untenable, the papers claim, after being told that she had no right to appoint staff, make recommendations or act as a spokesperson.

The tribunal hearing is due to take place in two weeks, on August 27.

Papers lodged with the Circuit Court allege that Victim Support allowed Ms McGovern to be subjected to malicious allegations, criticisms, unfounded and disparaging remarks and failed to investigate her claims of harassment and bullying. An individual is named in the court papers.

There was no one available yesterday from Victim Support management as the only person allowed to speak to the press, administrator Anne Meade, is on holiday.

However, Victim Support founder, honorary life president and board member Derek Nally said: "I have no comment to make. Anything I have to say, I will say at the tribunal."

He agreed Victim Support was in some turmoil, something that was "very much influenced" by the pending cases. He reiterated that victims are the priority for the organisation.

Asked whether there were any plans to wind up the organisation, he said: "if it is, nobody has told me."