Useful Links
This is a list of links to organisations that are relevant to the area of domestic, sexual and gender based violence. The links have been sorted by sector. To see links to organisations in a given sector, simply click on the topic.
1. Criminal Justice Agencies
Under the Victims Charter and Guide to the Criminal Justice System on this website, at the head of each chapter is a link to the home page of the relevant criminal justice agency.
A more comprehensive set of links to the main criminal justice agencies is given separately on the useful links page of the Commission for the Support of Victims of Crime.
2. International
2A. European Union
Council Framework Decision on the Standing of Victims in Criminal Proceedings
In 2001, the Council of the European Union adopted a Framework Decision on the Standing of Victims in Criminal Proceedings (2001/220/JHA). This Framework Decision seeks to harmonise the levels of protection afforded to victims of crime in Ireland and the other member states in the European Union.
A number of publications of the EU are available here.
2B. Council of Europe
The Council of Europe has a portal on victims of crime which includes access to relevant Council of Europe Conventions, Recommendations and other documents as well as access to relevant European Union and United Nations documents on victims of crime.
Victims Support Assistance (2nd Edition, 2008) is a book on sale from the Council of Europe containing Council of Europe Conventions, Recommendations of the Committee of Ministers, Ministerial Resolutions, and an Expert Report. The synopis of the book includes a list of the instruments relating to victims.
It is also possible to search a full list of treaties for the Council of Europe.
2C. United Nations
UN Declaration of Basic Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime and Abuse of Power
The UN Declaration of Basic Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime and Abuse of Power (29 November, 1985 - A/RES/40/34) was adopted by the UN General Assembly. Although not a legally binding document, the Declaration can be used as a benchmark for measuring State practice in relation to victims’ rights. It sets out basic principles of treatment for crime victims, based on compassion and respect for human dignity. The Declaration urges access to judicial and administrative processes, restitution, compensation and assistance for victims.
3. Voluntary Organisations
Voluntary sector organisations which assist victims of crime are listed on the website of the Commission for the Support of Victims of Crime.
Organisations which help victims of domestic and sexual violence are also listed on the COSC website.
