On Monday 17th February, Garda Síobhán Madden, Garda Victim Service Office, Clare Division, delivered a guest lecture on ‘The Relationship between An Garda Síochána and the Victim of Crime’ 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 and transposed into Irish law by the Criminal Justice (Victims of Crime) Act 2017. Garda Madden holds an LL.M. 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 and concerns 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 seminar was very well attended by students and staff who engaged in discussions that broadened their knowledge and deepened their 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.
Pictured: Dr Ger Coffey and Garda Síobhán Madden.
