Crime victims get €1.1m grant boost

VICTIMS of crime were given a boost yesterday with the announcement of €1.1 million for support groups.

The much-needed grants will be shared among dozens of organisations across the state who have until the end of January to apply for funds.

The Commission for the Support of Victims, charged with distributing the cash, said yesterday it had received up to 50 applications so far.

“We funded 34 last year and are hearing from most or all of those as well as an additional percentage,” said chairman and former garda assistant commissioner Jim McHugh.

Recipients last year included groups helping rape victims, tourists hit by crime and those affected by murder.

State funds for different help groups were streamlined after the collapse of a section of Victim Support in 2005. In its first year, the new commission allocated €685,750 in funds to support victims of various crimes, including sexual violence, domestic violence, murder and human trafficking. This was raised to €885,250 in 2006.

Funds this year would include support for victims attending court cases, accompanied by “minders”, said the commission chairman.