Victim Support at Court: Volunteers
Victim Support at Court Volunteer
Victim Support at Court: Kilkenny, Wexford and Waterford Courthouse
About Victim Support at Court
V-SAC is the only voluntary service in Ireland that specialises in court accompaniment for victims of crime, their families, and prosecution witnesses. We are at the forefront of delivering a high-quality court accompaniment service within the Irish judicial system. To avoid additional stress on the victims’ volunteers should be available for a minimum of 2 consecutive days or when possible, for the duration of the court case. The court sits from 10am to 4pm approximately Monday to Friday.
Our services are free and available to anyone who has been a victim of crime. Our trained volunteers provide:
- Pre-trial visits to a courtroom
- Someone to talk to in confidence during the trial
- Information about An Garda Síochána and court procedures
- Referrals to other organisations/ sources of support
- Information about victims’ rights and information on other sources of help
What's required for this position
Volunteers must be able to provide a non-judgemental listening ear for the victim. Empathy & confidentiality are most important and awareness of and adherence to the boundaries of the role.
- Empathy and a willingness to support victims of crime
- Excellent listening, communication, and interpersonal skills
- Flexibility, reliability and willingness to travel
- Self-motivated
- Comfortable working independently
- Possesses the ability to work in very busy or quiet environments
- Ability to follow guidelines and represent the charity in a positive manner
- Common sense approach
- Light administration
Volunteers are only required during the duration of court sittings.
What you will receive
- Regular support and supervision
- The chance to meet and help people from all walks of life
- Personal development opportunities
- A real opportunity to make a difference to people’s lives
- Formal reference given upon request
Other Details
Due to the nature of working with vulnerable people we have a comprehensive screening process. Not all applicant who complete the training will be invited to become a full volunteer with V-SAC:
- Online application form
- One to one meeting
- Online training
- 6-8 weeks of shadowing an experienced volunteer (depending on how many days you can volunteer)