Four in 10 crime victims 'unhappy with gardaí'
Four in 10 crime victims are unhappy with their experience with the Garda Síochána in the wake of their ordeal, an official report revealed today.
Complaints included not being taken seriously, being made to feel like the wrongdoer, lack of empathy or understanding and lack of protection.
The Commission for the Support of Victims of Crime, which ordered the study, has called for the force to be trained further on how to deal sensitively with crime victims.
The body, established by the Department of Justice, also recommended specialist training for a number of gardai in all divisions on how to deal with particularly vulnerable victims, such as those who suffer sexual assault or domestic violence.
The number of gay liaison officers in the force also needs to be increased, the report found.
The commission, which is headed by former Garda assistant commissioner Ray McAndrew, said under-reporting of crime remains a problem.
While many of the reasons for this were beyond their control, the gardai had to encourage victims to come forward, it said.
There was also clearly an issue with gardai providing adequate information to victims in the early stages of an investigation.
According to the survey, half of all those who reported a crime did not receive the designated case number on the force’s Pulse system or a contact for a support organisation.
Almost half said they were dissatisfied or very dissatisfied with the information provided to them by the gardai during the investigation.
“To ensure a high level of sensitivity and a high standard of communication in dealings with victims, new garda recruits should receive initial training and existing members of the gardai should receive in-service training, which sensitises them to the needs of victims,” the report recommends.
Victims also reported poor satisfaction levels with the courts, with 55% of those surveyed saying they were unhappy with their experience.
Delays, lack of information, court layouts, the organisation of hearings, the sensitivity of legal staff and the handling of victim impact statements all came in for criticism.
Victims complained about overcrowded courtrooms, an inability to hear the proceedings, lack of seating or separate waiting areas and intimidation.
Witnesses called to give evidence cited “the seeming chaos” of the courts, insensitive remarks by judges and media intrusion as shortcomings.
The commission said it was important that delays and adjournments are minimised as far as possible for the sake of victims.
Nearly four in 10 (38%) people surveyed also said they were dissatisfied with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Complaints against the DPP included the downgrading of charges, not showing up for sentencing, giving no reason for not going ahead with a prosecution and poor standards of communication with victims.
While there was high overall satisfaction with victim support groups and the designated crime victims helpline, there was little awareness of the services among victims, it was found.
Justice Minister Dermot Ahern said the report flagged up the need for a consistent approach across the state and other agencies to victims.
“I am sure that the state and voluntary sectors will step up to the mark and improve their delivery of services to victims as a result of the issues highlighted and the recommendations made in this research,” he said.
The research, called The Needs and Concerns of Victims of Crime in Ireland, was carried out by a team of researchers from University College Cork, led by Dr Shane Kilcommins.
They polled 303 crime victims through a postal survey, 20 victims during in-depth interviews and another 50 people as part of a street survey in Waterford.
The researchers also quizzed 23 professionals and community organisation workers in a telephone survey.
The Courts Service said it could not give a detailed response to the complaints as it had not yet seen or read the commission’s report.
But a spokesman stressed it was in contact with victim support groups on a daily basis to improve the experience of victims and witnesses.
“Over the last decade there have been huge improvements in the quality of accommodation available for courts, including consultancy rooms and private areas for witnesses and victims,” he said.
“The vast majority of court venues where serious criminal matters are heard now provide for the privacy and dignity of those involved in proceedings.
“Of course, there needs to be further refurbishment of older venues . This is dependent on an improved budgetary situation.”
On delays, the spokesman said the courts do not decide on the number of cases brought before it.
There has been a 40% increase in its workload over the past four years and despite budget and staffing cuts, there has been no increase in waiting times, he added.
A spokeswoman for the DPP’s office said it was looking forward to seeing the report.
A Garda spokesman said the force had a victims’ charter, which sets out its obligations and commitments to supporting the victims of crime.
“We note the findings of today’s report,” he added.
“An Garda Siochana is committed to working closely with all victims of crime.”
A Garda spokesman said the force had a victims’ charter, which sets out its obligations and commitments to supporting the victims of crime.
“We note the findings of today’s report,” he added.
“An Garda Siochana is committed to working closely with all victims of crime.”
