The following options for assistance are available for victims of acts of violence.
- Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal: Makes awards of financial assistance to victims of acts of violence, including financial assistance for loss of earnings, the cost of long-term counselling, special financial assistance, medical and funeral expenses.
- Civil proceedings: Issuing civil proceedings against the offender for damages in respect of injuries or death of the victim.
- Application to court against offender: Application to court for an order that the offender pay compensation to the victim for pain and suffering, counselling, medical expenses and other expenses.
From May 2004, the Victims Support Agency (VSA) replaced the services for victims of crime previously provided by the Victims Referral and Assistance Service, which has ceased operation.
The VSA is responsible for co-ordinating services for victims of crime. The role of the VSA is to bring together key stakeholders to learn, exchange information and work together to assist victims to recover from the impact of crime. VSA will hold forums and conferences on victim-related issues. (For VSA contact details see: "Contacts", at the end of this chapter.)
Victims of crime can call a dedicated Helpline staffed by trained Victim Support Officers. The Helpline staff offer information, advice and referrals, to assist victims manage and recover from the effects of crime. Helpline staff can explain the options available to victims of crime to help with their recovery. Available support includes:
- information on how to access the justice system;
- referral to local and regional services which can provide practical assistance and support; and
- information on how to access counselling.
Helpline staff can refer callers to the most appropriate support agency to meet their needs. Sometimes a victim may prefer the Helpline officer to contact another agency on their behalf.
Victims of Crime Helpline: 1800 819 817 (toll free)
Hours: Monday to Friday 8.00 am–11 pm (not public holidays)
VSA staff speak a number of community languages and an interpreter service is also available. Assistance to victims of crime with disabilities is available either directly or through their carers.
The VSA funds a network of Victims Assistance Programs (VAPs) throughout metropolitan and regional Victoria, which are located in community agencies.
These programs provide immediate crisis response to victims of crime both in person and by telephone. Outreach services, practical support, court support, referral and coordination of specialist support groups are provided by VAP workers in response to individual needs. Access to short-term counselling is also available through the VAP network.
Eligible victims of crime may access short term counselling to assist them in their recovery from the effects of crime.
To be eligible for access to short-term counselling through the Helpline or a VAP, victims must be either:
- primary victims of a violent crime (and related victims in the case of homicide) which occurred and was reported within the past 12 months. The crime must have occurred in Victoria; or
- victims of domestic violence who have been granted an intervention order within the past 12 months.
Up to five sessions of counselling can be provided to eligible victims of crime. If counselling is required beyond the fifth session, a victim will need to make an application to VOCAT (see "Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal", below). Both Helpline staff and VAP workers are able to assist clients with applications to VOCAT.
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OVERVIEW :: Last updated: Thu Jul 1st 2010