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Safety · Ireland
Updated September 2026

🤲 I was the victim of a crime — what help and compensation can I get?

Direct answer

Every EU country must offer victims free support, information and, for violent crime, state compensation — regardless of whether the offender is caught. Crime Victims Helpline — 116 006 (116 006) is the victim-support service for Ireland: emotional support, help with the police and the court, practical help with insurers and employers, and the compensation application. An Garda Síochána (garda.ie) takes the report; ask for your rights as a victim in writing and for updates on the case. Legal Aid Board / FLAC (0818 615 200) covers legal costs if you need a lawyer in the proceedings.

Call firstCrime Victims Helpline — 116 006
Report toAn Garda Síochána
If that failsLegal Aid Board / FLAC

🗣️ What to say

"I was the victim of [crime] on [date]; police report [number]. I would like support with [the procedure / compensation / practical matters] and to be informed about my rights and the progress of the case."

🪜 Step by step

  1. Report if you have notRights as a victim — information, protection, compensation — mostly start with the report.
  2. Contact Crime Victims Helpline — 116 006They call you back, explain what happens next, and stay with you through the process.
  3. Ask for updatesYou have the right to be informed of the decision to prosecute, the trial date and the release of the offender, if you ask.
  4. CompensationFrom the offender in the criminal case, from insurers, and for violent crime from the state fund — Crime Victims Helpline — 116 006 files it with you. Deadlines apply (often 1–3 years).
  5. Legal aid: Legal Aid Board / FLACFor a lawyer to join the case as a civil party, free below an income threshold.

📇 All contacts

Crime Victims Helpline — 116 006Free victim support, information on the process, compensation tribunalAfter any crime📞 116 006🔗 crimevictimshelpline.ie
An Garda SíochánaReport at any station or via the Garda websiteAlways — you need the PULSE reference for the bank🔗 www.garda.ie/en/crime/fraud
Legal Aid Board / FLACCivil legal aid on low income; free legal advice clinics (FLAC)When you cannot afford a solicitor📞 0818 615 200🔗 www.legalaidboard.ie
Dublin Rape Crisis Centre — 1800 77 8888 / Sexual Assault Treatment UnitsSupport and forensic care after sexual violence, no report neededAnytime📞 1800 77 8888🔗 www.drcc.ie

❓ Frequently asked

The offender was never found

State compensation for violent crime does not depend on a conviction; it depends on the report and the injury.

I was a victim in another EU country

You can report at home and the report is transferred; support services cooperate across borders. Crime Victims Helpline — 116 006 starts the process.

Can I get protection from the offender?

Protection orders, address confidentiality and separate waiting rooms at court exist; ask Crime Victims Helpline — 116 006 and the police explicitly.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

🔎 Common searches

Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.

  • “victim support Ireland”
  • “crime victim compensation Ireland”
  • “victim rights information case”
  • “help after crime free”
  • “state compensation violent crime”

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

🔗 Related questions

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