The Victims of Crime Assistance Act 1996 (Vic) provides the framework for assisting victims who suffer injury and loss due to an act of violence occurring in Victoria. Eligible victims may claim financial assistance to help with their recovery through the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal. The Tribunal operates at every venue of the Magistrates’ Court.
We have intricate knowledge of the governing legislation, practice and procedures in applying for financial assistance through the Tribunal.
Our lawyers have represented and assisted many victims of crime in pursuing their rights to financial assistance. We treat all clients with compassion and understanding yet pursue their entitlements with vigour.
We provide legal services in preparing claims for financial assistance and, where necessary, representation before the Tribunal, to ensure our clients are compensated at the maximum level provided under the Act.
If you have a client who has been a victim of crime and are not familiar with the Tribunal processes, or simply do not have the time or resources to attend to the matter personally, we can appear as your agent and assist in pursuing your client’s rights.
As your agent, we can help with the preparation and lodgement of an application for financial assistance and / or appear before a Tribunal Member for more complex matters. We can assist in:
- Determining your client’s eligibility to claim
- Applying for Financial Assistance
- Preparing Statements of Claim
- Preparing Dependency Claims
- Preparing supporting evidence
- Attending Tribunal Hearings
- Advising on Judicial Registrar Reviews
Why involve RT Legal with your matter?
We are just minutes from Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court where the Tribunal operates.
Generally, a claim for financial assistance is determined on the papers. However, clients may request to have their voice heard or their appearance may be required if, the Tribunal is not satisfied on the documents provided, that an act of violence has occurred.
Alternatively, where there has been no prosecution for the crime or the charges against the offender are dismissed or withdrawn, the Tribunal may investigate further to confirm that an act of violence has occurred. In such cases, the offender is notified and given an opportunity to contest the allegations at a hearing.
Obviously, this can cause significant distress for a victim who will often benefit from representation by an empathetic but experienced advocate.
Our lawyers have conducted many matters with the Tribunal, obtaining successful outcomes for our clients. We are reliable and can appear on short notice in the interests of your client. In doing so, we will represent your client with the level of enthusiasm and attention we would give our own.
Please call if you would like to discuss how we can assist as your agent in pursuing a matter in the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal.
