The Minister for Justice and Law Reform, Michael McDowell, officially launched the Court Support Service in the Round Hall of the Four Courts last night.
The service has been set up to support anyone who has been a victim of crime and is provided by a team of trained volunteers.
It is funded by the Commission for the Support of Victims of Crime.
The service co-ordinator, Cora Gorman, said the service offers 'emotional and practical support' and explains court procedures through one of its trained volunteers who will remain with victims, families and witnesses throughout a trial.
