60% rise in calls to crime helpline

Calls to the Crime Victims Helpline rose by 60 per cent during the first three months of 2007, according to new figures released today.

The helpline, which offers support and referral services to victims of crime, responded to 479 calls between January and March of this year, compared to 295 calls for the same three months in 2006.

Established in 2005, the helpline is funded by the Commission for the Support of Victims of Crime, under the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

The service's co-ordinator, Maeve Ryan, attributed the increase in calls to an to increased awareness of the helpline among members of the public. She also said that it highlighted the need for information and supports for victims of crime in Ireland.

The helpline is available from 10am to 5pm from Monday to Friday and from 2pm to 4pm on Saturday. The contact number is 1850-211407.