Victims of crime can recover compensation from a tribunal. The amounts are limited to maximums set out in the legislation; the victim’s own criminal history and access to other compensation are taken into account. There are services for primary, secondary and related victims of crime, including a helpline and a referral service, counselling, and a network of assistance programs that respond to a crisis in person and by telephone. There must be an act of violence causing injury, reported in reasonable time. This chapter also outlines the claims procedure.
Thracy Vinga
Barrister
Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal (VOCAT)
VOCAT’s principal registry:
233 William Street, Melbourne Vic 3000
Tel: 9628 7855
Email: help@vocat.vic.gov.au
Web: www.vocat.vic.gov.au
VOCAT operates from every Magistrates’ Court in Victoria.
Victims of Crime Helpline
Tel: 1800 819 817 or text: 0427 767 891 (8 am to 11 pm, 7 days a week)
Email: vsa@justice.vic.gov.au
Web: www.victimsofcrime.vic.gov.au
