Guest Lecture: “The Role of An Garda Síochána Victim Service Office”

On Tuesday 12^th February Garda Siobhán Madden, Garda Victim Service Office, Clare Division, delivered a guest lecture entitled “The Role of An Garda Síochána Victim Service Office” to students at staff in the Centre for Crime, Justice & Victim Studies and School of Law.

Garda Madden was appointed Victim Liaison Officer for the Clare Division and operates out of the Garda Victim Service Office. This role was introduced to An Garda Síochána as a result of Directive 2012/29/EU (Victims’ Rights Directive) which established minimum standards on the rights, support and protection of victims of crime. The Directive was implemented into the national laws of all EU Member States from November 2015. Garda Madden holds an LLM in Human Rights in Criminal Justice from UL.

Garda Madden delivered a very insightful and informative guest lecture on duties and responsibilities based around the needs of victims of crime. Victims should be kept informed about the progress of their case and provided with advice in relation to the supports available to victims. The interactive lecture was very well attended by students and staff who engaged in enlightening discussions that broadened knowledge and understanding.

The event was organised by Dr Ger Coffey, Course Director of the LLM/MA in Human Rights in Criminal Justice and member of the Centre for Crime, Justice & Victim Studies in the School of Law.