If you or somebody in your family has been the victim of a violent crime it is important to access whatever help and resources are available to assist in recovering.
Our lawyers are compassionate and have assisted many victims to obtain practical help and to pursue their rights to financial assistance to help with their recovery.
The Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal provides financial assistance to eligible victims who have suffered injury from a violent crime. Applicants may be reimbursed for medical and other expenses outlaid, or likely to be incurred in the future, to assist in their recovery. For more information on the assistance available under this scheme see our separate pages on ‘Compensation’ and ‘Explaining the Process’.
Moving forward – the Victims Assistance Program
Monetary compensation helps, but it is seldom the only remedy needed for a victim to recover from a violent criminal act.
The Victims Assistance Program (VAP) is funded by the Department of Justice and managed through the Department of Human Services. The VAP provides a network of case management services for any person who has been the victim of, or witnessed, a violent act in Victoria.
The scheme establishes various case managers who can provide assistance by:
- Providing information about court processes and the criminal justice system;
- Preparing a Victim Impact Statement and preparing a victim for court;
- Providing referrals for counselling, medical and other treatment;
- Providing practical support on a daily basis;
- Communicating on behalf of a victim with police and parole boards;
- Applying to the Victims Register;
- Applying for financial assistance.
Counselling services
Primary victims of crime may be immediately eligible for up to seven sessions of counselling by a psychologist or social worker at no cost. A primary victim includes a person that is directly injured by an act of violence committed against that person, or a person injured whilst trying to prevent the crime or assist or rescue a victim.
To be eligible, the crime must have occurred in Victoria within the past two years and have been reported to the police, or an intervention order granted in favour of a victim of domestic violence within the past two years. See our separate page on ‘Intervention Orders’.
If you or somebody you know has been affected by a violent criminal act it is important to obtain early legal advice to ensure your rights are fully exhausted and to safeguard against any time limitations.
Our experienced and compassionate team will provide advice and guidance on the financial and practical assistance available to help with your recovery.
