Support services
You should be referred to, and have access to, free of charge confidential support services that can help you, according to your needs. These include the services provided by Victim Support NI and NSPCC Young Witness Service.
Victim Support NI helps people who have been a victim of, or witness to, a crime. They provide emotional support, information and practical help to victims, witnesses and others affected by crime by offering community and witness services and help in applying for compensation. They can provide services even if you do not wish to report the crime. They can refer you to specialist support services, where appropriate and available. To talk confidentially about what happened to you, or any concerns that you have, you can phone Victim Support NI on 028 9024 3133.
The NSPCC Young Witness Service provides support and information for children and young people under the age of 18 who may have to give evidence in court. The service also aims to help parents and carers support their child or young person through the court process.
Additional help is also available for specific crime types or type of victim:
Children and Young People:
- NSPCC Northern Ireland: 028 9035 1135
- NSPCC Young Witness Service (at court): 028 9448 7533
Domestic Abuse/Violence:
- 24 Hour Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline: 0808 802 1414
- Women’s Aid Federation: 028 9024 9041
- Men’s Advisory Project: 028 9024 1929
- ASSIST NI – Advocacy for victims of domestic abuse: info@assistni.org.uk
Hate Crime:
- Hate Crime Advocacy Service: 028 9024 3133
- Details of hate crime advocates can be found at Annex C of the Victim Charter or at Victims Support Organisations
Murder/Manslaughter:
- Cruse Bereavement Care: 028 9079 2419 or 0844 477 9400
- Support after Murder and Manslaughter NI: 028 9442 9009
- Care for the Family: 028 9262 8050
Older People:
- Age NI: 0808 808 7575 or advice@ageni.org
- Hourglass: 0808 808 8141 or enquiries@wearehourglass.org
Road Traffic Death:
- Brake: 0845 603 8570.
- Cruse Bereavement Care: 028 9079 2419 or 0844 477 9400.
Sexual Abuse/Violence:
- 24 hour Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline: 0808 802 1414.
- Nexus: 028 9032 6803.
- The Rowan Sexual Assault Referral Centre: 0800 389 4424
- ASSIST NI – Advocacy for Victims of Sexual Abuse: info@assistni.org.uk
- Sexual Offence Legal Advisers (SOLAs): 028 9024 3133
- Child Independent Sexual Violence Advocates: 028 9024 3133
Trafficking:
- Migrant Help 24 Hour Helpline: 077 6666 8781 and 013 0420 3977.
- Modern Slavery 24 Hour Helpline: 0800 0121 700.
- Also see Domestic Abuse/Violence section above.
Contact details for support organisations, including specialist support services (for example, for bereaved families or for victims of domestic and sexual abuse or violence, hate crime or trafficking) can be found at Annex C of the Victim Charter or at Victim Support Organisations.