Welcome to the ICCL's Victims' Project page.

On this page you will find a range of the most reliable and up-to-date materials on victims’ rights linked by hyperlink.

Also see our new victims' and procedural rights info and documantation portal at eujustice.iccl.ie

Support for Victims

On 12 April 2012 the ICCL held a high-level conference in Dublin Castle on Victims' Rights. Please find below links to some of the papers, presentations and speeches made at the conference.

Speeches and presentations

• Keynote speech by Minister for Justice Alan Shatter TD: Download text HERE. View video HERE.

• 'The EU directive for victims of crime: more than meets the eye' - Presentation by Professor Anthony Pemberton. Download HERE.

• 'The Directive on Victims Rights: opportunities and challenges for Ireland' - Presentation by Dr Shane Kilcommins. Download HERE.

Information on the 'Victims of Crime Bill 2011', as proposed by AdVic, the Rape Crisis Centre and Support After Homicide

• A presentation by Maria McDonald BL on the AdVic/Rape Crisis Centre/Support After Homicide 'Victims of Crime Bill 2011'. Download HERE.

• The Draft 'Victims of Crime Bill 2011'. Drafted by Maria McDonald BL on behalf of AdVIC, the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre & Support After Homicide. Presented to the Victims of Crime Office on the 14th December 2011. Download HERE

• A Summary of the Draft Directive on Victims Rights: A request for Submissions from NGO’s. Completed by Maria McDonald BL at the request of PILA and ADVIC. This was completed in furtherance of previous research completed for ADVIC, namely a draft Victims Rights Bill 2011. Download HERE.

• Some Priority Questions to address in submissions on the draft Victims’ Rights Bill 2011. Download HERE.

1.       Further resources on Support for Victims

The Commission for the Support of Victims for Crime

• The Needs and Concerns of Victims of Crime in Ireland

• Victims Charter

Counselling Services for Victims of Crime

Support Helplines For Victims of Crime

Victims Support Europe

Victim Support Northern Ireland

Victim Support Scotland

Victim Support UK

2.       EU Materials on Victims’ Rights

The EU Victims’ Directive

The Rights of Crime Victims – Europa legislation summaries

EU Commission Victims’ Package – Consultation Document by the Portugese Association for Victim Support (APAV)

European Commission ensures better protection of crime victims (Commission Press release, 18 May 2011)

EU Factsheets:

• EU action to champion victims' rights

• EU action: JUSTICE for Victims

• EU action: PROTECTION for Victims

• EU action: RESPECT for Victims

• EU action: SUPPORT for Victims

EU Victims’ Rights/Support  Legislation

Updates on EU Justice and Home Affairs Council meetings

Framework Decision on the standing of victims in criminal proceedings  2001

Directive on EU Compensation for the Victims of Crime

3.       ICCL Victims' Rights Publications

Please click here to browse the Victims’ Rights Content on the ICCL website (press releases, statements, submissions and publications). The ICCL's main policy documents on Victims' rights are linked below:

• A Better Deal: The Human Rights of Victims in the Criminal Justice System (June 2008)

• ICCL Charter on the Rights of Victims of Crime (2008)

4.       Ireland – Department of Justice and Equality

Irish Legislation  - previous Victims’ Bills:

• Criminal Procedure Act 2010 (Victim Impact Statements)

• Victims’ Rights Bill 2008

• Victims’ Rights Bill 2002

Debates on Bills:

• Written Answers - Victims of Crime Wednesday, 18 May 2011

• Written Answers - Victims of Crime Tuesday, 27 November 2008

• Written Answers - Victims of Crime Wednesday, 14 October 2009

• Written Answers. - Victims Commission Tuesday, 23 April 2002

Department of Justice Press Releases, Reports and Statements:

The Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence welcomes Cabinet decision to opt into EU Directive on victims of crime and publishes the Fifth Annual Report of the Commission for the Support of Victims of Crime 22/06/2011

Minister Ahern Announces Publication of Research on Victims 12/10/2010

Victims Charter and Guide to the Criminal Justice System 20/07/2010

Minister Ahern Launches New Victims Charter 20/07/2010

Dermot Ahern publishes the Fifth Annual Report of the Commission for the Support of Victims of Crime 26/05/2010

Minister publishes fourth Annual Report of the Commission for the Support of Victims of Crime16/04/2009

Commission for the Support of Victims of Crime Annual Report 2007