V-SAC has a permanent presence in the Criminal Courts of Justice at Parkgate Street, Dublin, but the cases it handles originate from all parts of the country. V-SAC also operates in Tallaght District Court, Blanchardstown District Court and the Eastern and South Eastern regional courts. Victim Support at Court is expanding its service into the Midlands, Western and Northern Circuit Courts with funding from the Dormant Accounts Fund. It is the only service whose sole function is to provide court accompaniment for all victims of crime, regardless of the type of offence. Counselling services are not provided, but referrals are offered to other appropriate services as and when required.
V-SAC is funded on an annual basis by the the Department of Justice and Equality and works closely with An Garda Síochána, The Probation Service, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and other related crime victims’ organisations in the justice system. The organisation undergoes an annual audit to ensure compliance with the requirements of the Companies Acts and the Revenue Commissioners. In addition, V-SAC is subject to ongoing audits by our funders in the Department of Justice and Equality.
Our mission is to provide a safe and supportive environment for victims of crime, their families or witnesses while they attend court.
We do this by:
(a) Allowing victims of crime, their families or witnesses experience a court setting in advance of the trial through accompanied visits to a criminal court when the court is not sitting
(b) Facilitating them in their attendance at court by making available to them a private area away from the general public where they can feel safe and avail of privacy
(c) Referring such victims of crime, their families or witnesses to other support agencies or organisations as appropriate
(d) Recruiting, training and supporting volunteers to undertake the work of court accompaniment and related activities in a comprehensive and professional manner
(e) Promoting support for victims of crime generally.
Our vision is for a society which treats victims and survivors of crime with compassion, empathy and respect.
