The Department of Justice has published a Charter for Victims of Crime setting out the standards by which the Government expects victims to be treated.
The charter, which was produced in consultation with the Irish Association for Victim Support, is being distributed to gardai, the courts and the Probation and Welfare Service.
The Minister for Justice, Mrs Owen, said the charter pinpoints relevant legislation, explains the role of the Garda and details services available.
The special needs of victims of sexual offences and domestic violence, as well as of tourists, the elderly and children, are separately identified.
The charter also explains how the victims fit into the structure of victim support and emphasises the importance of reporting crime in the first place.