If you or someone in your family is the victim of a crime or you have witnessed a crime being committed, you will become involved in the criminal justice system. This can be a very confusing and stressful experience for you. The criminal justice system can seem very complex, especially when you are also coping with the effects of the crime itself.

This section of our website is dedicated to victims and witnesses and tries to answer the questions people ask us the most often. You may also find it useful to read our two information booklets The Role of the DPP and Going to Court as a Witness. You can request printed copies of these booklets by telephone +353 (0)1 858 8500 or by e-mail at dpp@dppireland.ie

How we make prosecution decisions

The decision whether or not to prosecute is very important. How do we decide? What do we consider?

Decision not to prosecute

How to ask for reasons for decisions and reviews of decisions when the DPP decides not to prosecute.

Fatal Cases

Read our policy on giving reasons for decisions not to prosecute in fatal cases.

Making a victim impact statement

A Victim Impact Statement is an account in your words of the effect that the crime has had on you.

Appeals Information

View information on Conviction Appeals, Sentence Appeals and Undue Leniency Appeals and what to expect at those appeal hearings.

Victims Charter

What you can expect from our Office. What you can do if we do not meet your expectations.

Crime Victims Helpline

The Crime Victims Helpline is a confidential national helpline that offers support to victims of crime in Ireland.

Useful contacts

A list of useful contacts for victims of crime.

Complaints policy

How you can make a complaint about services provided by the Office of the DPP which directly affect you.

Information Booklets for Victims & Witnesses

Download booklets on the role of the DPP, going to court as a witness, how we make prosecution decisions, making a victim impact statement, and more.