Migrant Victim Support Service
The Migrant Victim Support Service (MVS) provides free and confidential support to migrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and people in vulnerable immigration situations who have experienced or witnessed a crime in Ireland. You can access our services regardless of your immigration status. Our team is here to guide you, in your own language, every step of the way.
- Leave the situation if you can. Go somewhere safe - this could be a friend’s home, a shop, or any public place.
- In an emergency, call 999 or 112 to speak to the Gardaí. You can ask for help in your language.
- Talk to someone you trust. This might be a friend, neighbour, or support worker.
- Doras Migrant Victim Support Service for free, confidential advice. We will listen and help you understand your options.
Helpline: 083 008 6391
Email: mvs@doras.org - Women’s Aid (for women experiencing abuse): 1800 341 900 – open 24/7
- Men’s Aid (support for men experiencing domestic abuse): 01 554 3811
- Childline (for under 18s): 1800 66 66 66 – open 24/7
- Legal Aid Board (legal advice for victims of crime): legalaidboard.ie
- Report Racism or Hate Crime: iReport.ie
The Migrant Victim Support Service (MVS) provides confidential, trauma-informed support to migrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and people in vulnerable immigration situations who have experienced or witnessed a crime in Ireland.
We understand that language barriers, immigration status, and fear of authorities can make it harder to seek help. That’s why our team is here to guide you, in your own language, every step of the way. You can access our services regardless of your immigration status. You can report a crime to the Gardaí even if you are undocumented.
We can support and accompany you during the process. Whether you’ve experienced hate crime, domestic violence, human trafficking, labour exploitation, or any other form of harm, you do not have to face it alone.
Services we offer:
- Support helpline
- Emotional and practical support for victims of crime
- Assistance with Garda reporting and court accompaniment
- Interpreter support
- Help accessing legal aid and healthcare
- Information about rights and entitlements, redress options and criminal proceedings
- Immigration and residency application assistance.
- Support with the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) for trafficking victims
- Outreach to Beneficiaries of International Protection (BOTP), International Protection Applicants (IPAS), and Direct Provision settings
- Doras Helpline: 083 008 6391
- MVS Email: mvs@doras.org
- Doras Office Opening Hours: Mon – Fri 9.30 am to 5 pm
- Doras Office Location: 2 The Crescent, V94 P281, Limerick City Centre
- In an emergency, call 999 or 112 to speak to the Gardaí. You can ask for help in your language.
We speak your language! Our team offers free, confidential support in:
Arabic | French | Urdu | Ukrainian | Spanish | Portuguese | Polish | and more
Interpreter support is available when reporting to Gardaí, attending court, or accessing services.
Anyone from a migrant, refugee, or asylum-seeking background in Ireland who has experienced or witnessed a crime can access our support—no matter your immigration status.
We support victims of a wide range of crimes, including:
- Domestic and gender-based violence (DGBV)
- Human trafficking and exploitation
- Hate crimes
- Racism and discrimination
- Sexual violence
- Labour exploitation and workplace abuse
- Identity theft, fraud, and cybercrime
- Other forms of assault or harm
Yes. Everything you share with us is private and confidential. We will never share your information without your consent unless there is a serious risk of harm or legal obligation.
Yes. Your immigration status does not affect your right to support. We will never report your status to authorities.
Yes. You have the right to report a crime to Gardaí regardless of your status. We can support you throughout the process, including helping you understand your options and providing interpreter support if needed.
No. You do not need to make a Garda report to access our support. We can help you whether or not you choose to report the crime.
Yes. We offer interpreter support and can assist you in your preferred language, including Arabic, French, Urdu, Ukrainian, Spanish, Portuguese, Polish, and more.
We provide:
- Emotional and practical support
- Help understanding your rights and options
- Accompaniment to Garda stations and court
- Referrals to legal, health, and housing services
- Safety planning and care coordination
- Support accessing the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) for trafficking victims
You can:
- Report it to www.ireport.ie (anonymously or with your name) – this helps monitor racism in Ireland.
- Contact MVS for emotional support and help reporting to Gardaí if you wish.
Yes. We support victims of domestic violence, including safety planning, accompaniment to services, and referrals.
You can also contact:
- Women’s Aid (24/7 Helpline): 1800 341 900 | womensaid.ie
- Men’s Aid (Support for Men): 01 554 3811 | mensaid.ie
We can guide you to free or low-cost legal advice, including help with:
- Legal protection orders
- Immigration advice
- Victims’ rights
We often refer people to the Legal Aid Board. Learn more at: legalaidboard.ie
No. All MVS support services are completely free.
Yes. You can contact us even if you’re unsure. We will listen, help you understand your situation, and talk through your options without pressure.
Our team is here to guide you, in your own language, every step of the way.
The Migrant Victim Support Project is funded by the Department of Justice
