Crime victims urged to seek help

People who have been victims of crime over the past year are being reminded that it is never too late to seek help.

The Crime Victims Helpline has said that its volunteers will be available over the new year period for those who wish to speak about their experiences.

Maeve Ryan, the spokesperson for the Crime Victim's Helpline, has explained that many people do not fully come to terms with what has happened to them until weeks after being the victim of a crime.

"It's not always the day after or the week after that people feel they need help," she said.

"Sometimes it’s the affects can be quite long-term and it can be weeks and months even before people think: 'Yes, I'm not over this, its still affecting me, I'm still thinking about it, and still feeling afraid when I'm going out, or nervous on the streets', or whatever the affects might be."