A new helpline for victims of crime was launched by Minister for Justice Michael McDowell yesterday.
Ruby Morrow, the director of the helpline, which is funded by the Commission for the Support of Victims of Crime, said that being a victim of a crime shattered a life.
She said it could take away a person's sense of security in an instant.
People could become depressed and afraid to go out. Families could be affected.
"At a time like that it is important to be able to talk to someone," she said.
"Without support long-term negative consequences can occur. The helpline is there to prevent that."
Launching the new helpline, Mr McDowell said this was one of the initiatives being funded by the commission which has responsibility for the disbursement of funds to victims' organisations and to examine all aspects of the provision of services for victims of crime in the criminal justice system.
"Over 60 applications for funding were received by the commission, and it has so far approved funding for some 24 groups, with 16 more in the pipeline," Mr McDowell said.
He praised the work of volunteers manning the helpline, and stressed the importance of liaison with members of the Garda.
Paul Murray, of Age Action, welcomed the helpline, and pointed out that assistance was available to older people in crime prevention.
The helpline number is 1850 211407.