Gardai Accompaniment

Trained and experienced staff and volunteers are available to accompany clients when making a statement to the Gardaí.  We can arrange for the client to meet with the Gardaí at our centre in Dundalk, at our outreach facility in Drogheda or at the actual Garda Station.

Support for clients goes far beyond actual accompaniment on the day.  RCNE counsellors ensure that the client is as prepared as possible for the psychological impact of the event.  Rape Crisis Network Ireland accompaniment training ensures that our accompaniment staff and volunteers are fully equipped to provide support for survivors facing Garda interviews.

As well as providing the best possible support for our clients, this accompaniment programme also has the positive effect of linking survivors in to the wide range of other services provided for them by Rape Crisis North East, ranging from support for family and friends, legal advice where necessary, to specialised individual counselling.  

The accompaniment training is funded by the Commission for the Support of Victims of Crime.  It helps build relationships and improve communication with local Gardaí, helping to increase understanding of the complexity of the issue for the victim, and helping to overcome any external resistance to the service.