BOMB VICTIMS AMONG THOSE BEING HELPED AS SUPPORT GROUP OPENS NEW OFFICES
Bomb victims among those being helped as support group opens new offices
A NEW central office has been opened by Victim Support to help people in the Omagh, Strabane and Fermanagh areas affected by crime.
Victim Support gives advice and emotional support to people who have been the subject of criminal activity.
The new office, at Campsie Road in Omagh, will enable it to better serve the geographical area it covers.
And as the fourth anniversary of the Omagh bombing approaches, its volunteers and staff are available to listen and share the feelings of those affected.
The Erne, Strule and Strabane Branch of Victim Support has a busy workload. Last year it received more than 4,500 referrals, and made contact with about a third of that number.
The organisation gives emotional support and practical help to those who have suffered from criminal activity ranging from burglary to terrorist incidents.
And since May the organisation has been offering an additional service to help those who have suffered from violent crime make application for
criminal injuries compensation.
That follows the introduction of a new tariff scheme aimed at making compensation fairer, more straightforward, quicker and more transparent. The new system is also able to settle claims without appeals to the courts, which, in the past, have proved stressful for many claimants.
Under the new system, there are set payments for injuries, which results in a faster and fair outcome.
With Legal Aid no longer generally available for criminal injuries claims, Victim Support offers a confidential and free service.
Maura Barker, an advice worker, is available at the Omagh office to help those making claims.
Victim Support says that when people have suffered as a result of violent crimes, the last thing they want is a long drawn out compensation process. The organisation will take victims through the whole process, from filling in forms to giving emotional support and helping appeals.
Examples of violent crime are grievous bodily harm, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, intimidation, arson, robbery, aggravated burglary, sexual offences, manslaughter and murder.
Marilyn Giboney, the local branch manager, commented: "The role that Victim Support provides by trained staff and volunteer visitors for the new criminal injuries compensation tariff is very welcome. It complements our existing service and gives some control back to the people who have suffered as a result of violent crime."
Anyone living in Northern Ireland can make an appointment to check on their eligibility for criminal injures compensation by phoning 8224 0012. Office, home or outreach appointments can be arranged.
A NEW central office has been opened by Victim Support to help people in the Omagh, Strabane and Fermanagh areas affected by crime.
Victim Support gives advice and emotional support to people who have been the subject of criminal activity.
The new office, at Campsie Road in Omagh, will enable it to better serve the geographical area it covers.
And as the fourth anniversary of the Omagh bombing approaches, its volunteers and staff are available to listen and share the feelings of those affected.
The Erne, Strule and Strabane Branch of Victim Support has a busy workload. Last year it received more than 4,500 referrals, and made contact with about a third of that number.
The organisation gives emotional support and practical help to those who have suffered from criminal activity ranging from burglary to terrorist incidents.
And since May the organisation has been offering an additional service to help those who have suffered from violent crime make application for
criminal injuries compensation.
That follows the introduction of a new tariff scheme aimed at making compensation fairer, more straightforward, quicker and more transparent. The new system is also able to settle claims without appeals to the courts, which, in the past, have proved stressful for many claimants.
Under the new system, there are set payments for injuries, which results in a faster and fair outcome.
With Legal Aid no longer generally available for criminal injuries claims, Victim Support offers a confidential and free service.
Maura Barker, an advice worker, is available at the Omagh office to help those making claims.
Victim Support says that when people have suffered as a result of violent crimes, the last thing they want is a long drawn out compensation process. The organisation will take victims through the whole process, from filling in forms to giving emotional support and helping appeals.
Examples of violent crime are grievous bodily harm, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, intimidation, arson, robbery, aggravated burglary, sexual offences, manslaughter and murder.
Marilyn Giboney, the local branch manager, commented: "The role that Victim Support provides by trained staff and volunteer visitors for the new criminal injuries compensation tariff is very welcome. It complements our existing service and gives some control back to the people who have suffered as a result of violent crime."
Anyone living in Northern Ireland can make an appointment to check on their eligibility for criminal injures compensation by phoning 8224 0012. Office, home or outreach appointments can be arranged.
Further Information
Publisher: TYRONE CONSTITUTION
Ref: TC/1069
Published Date: 08-Aug-02
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