Melina Lepida
On 14 – 16 April, the IMPACT Project team, together with representatives from the IMPACT Member States – Estonia, Malta and Portugal travelled to Ireland for a study visit facilitated by Victim Support at Court (V-SAC).
The 3-day event began with a tour of the Criminal Courts of Justice, including the Victim Support Area, followed by a panel discussion with key stakeholders in the Irish victim support system, representing The Probation Service (Restorative Justice and Victim Services), Crime Victims Helpline and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Ireland.
On 15 April, participants split into two groups – the first group travelled all the way to Galway for a field visit to a Barnahus centre, while the second group stayed in Dublin and met with Irish experts in victim support. The meetings in Dublin included presentations of the legislative framework relating to victims’ rights, introduction to the support provided by Sexual Assault Treatment Units, and an overview of the work of court-based support services – Victim Support at Court and A.S.S.C. – Accompaniment Support Services for Children.
On the final day of the trip, the group was joined by a guest from Northern Ireland, representing the Office of the Commissioner for Victims of Crime NI. The study visit concluded with a powerful presentation from Ruth Maxwell – a survivor, victims’ advocate and a Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal Consultant. Ruth’s journey, strength, and advocacy efforts are an inspiring reminder of the importance of building systems that are victim-centric and trauma-informed.
For more information about project IMPACT, visit the IMPACT project official website below
