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Assistance for victims of crime

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.

Assistance for victims of crime
Contributor

Thracy Vinga

Barrister

Summary of options for victims of crime

Last updated

1 July 2022

The following legal options are available for victims of crime:

  • Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal (VOCAT): VOCAT provides financial assistance to victims of violent crime to help cover expenses incurred as a direct result of that crime (e.g. lost earnings, the cost of long-term counselling, medical and funeral expenses) – see ‘Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal’.
  • Civil proceedings: A victim can issue a civil claim for damages against the offender – see ‘Civil claims for damages’ in ‘Recovering compensation from the offender‘.
  • Compensation under the Sentencing Act 1991 (Vic): A victim can seek compensation from the offender for pain and suffering; the court can also order the offender to pay the victim’s counselling, medical and other expenses – see ‘Compensation under the Sentencing Act’ in ‘Recovering compensation from the offender‘.

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