Victims' helpline sees 11% increase in calls

Last year saw an 11% increase in the number of people contacting the Crime Victims Helpline.

The service's volunteers received more than 6,000 calls in total, during 2011.

More than 17% of calls related to physical assaults.

The service can be contacted on Freephone 116 006, Callsave 1850 21 14 07, or by texting 085 1337711.

"There is no specific reason why the number of calls increased over the past 12 months," said a Crime Victims Helpline statement.

"It may simply be that there is a greater awareness of the service. Our confidential service assists all those who call, irrespective of the reason why the person is affected.

"Some people for example, find that they feel afraid and vulnerable following a crime; some are upset by their experience with the criminal justice system and others face financial difficulties as a result of the crime.

"Crime Victims Helpline volunteers provide support and information to help each caller deal with the very individual problems that arise for them as a result of crime. This includes advising callers of the availability of other specialist services for victims of crime.

"We encourage anyone who has become a victim of crime to talk about the incident to someone - and if some independent assistance is required the Crime Victims Helpline can help.

"Every day we help people who are experiencing emotional and practical difficulties, as a result of a crime."