New figures show a significant increase in the levels of serious crime referred to Victim Support in the past year.
The agency, which supports crime victims and their families, has had to restructure its services to cope with the increased demand. The number of murder cases referred to the agency increased by almost 16 per cent to 84 last year, according to provisional figures. This followed a 55 per cent increase in the number of cases in 2000.
The number of people looking for support during court cases also increased significantly. Some 123 court cases were referred to the agency in 2000, compared with 175 cases last year. Of these, rape and sexual assaults accounted for the greatest increase, from 29 cases in 2000 to 67 last year.
Support sought for child sex-abuse court cases also increased, from 11 cases in 2000 to 18 last year. Murder and manslaughter cases increased from 20 to 25, while the number of incest cases dropped from 10 to six.
Ms Lillian McGovern, Victim Support's chief executive, said the increase in violent crime was alarming. "We are dealing with more court cases and they are going on for longer, which reflects the seriousness of the crimes.
"We've seen a shift of emphasis in the type of support sought in the last two years. Before, the common age profile was of the older man and woman, and the majority were concerned about crime to property.
"But in the last two years there's been a sudden change, with much younger people coming to us - young males in particular - with cases involving assault. We've seen a serious increase in the number of young people being attacked, particularly in the 18-25 age group." Up to three years ago, eight to 10 volunteers were giving support to families of murder victims. This has since increased to almost 40 around the State.
"It's a very dramatic increase, and there's still a need for more volunteers because of the increase in crime," Ms McGovern said. The support service offered in court cases has also been increased to meet demand.
She said the most notable increase in serious crime was in rural areas. "Murder and manslaughter are no longer confined to cities and large towns. That's a worrying development."
Victim Support has called for an awareness campaign to reduce violent attacks.
