Other Sources of Assistance

If you are a victim of crime, it is important for you to have immediate practical support. The Victims Support Agency within the Department of Justice represents victims of crime and coordinates a whole-of-government approach to services for victims. The Victims of Crime website contains information on what it means to be a victim of crime, what to expect from the justice system, how to get counselling or financial support, and where to find victim support agencies. For further information on these sources refer to the Victims of Crime website or click on the links below:

Victims of Crime Helpline
Victims Assistance and Counselling Program
Victims Guide to Support Services and the Criminal Justice System
Interstate & other sources of assistance

Victims of Crime Helpline

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 to manage and recover from the effects of crime. The helpline is open between 8am and 11pm weekdays on 1800 819 817.

Helpline staff can explain the range of options available to victims of crime to help with their recovery. Available support includes:

Information on how to access counselling and financial assistance to help a victim recover from the effects of the crime
Referral to local and regional services which can provide practical assistance and support
Information on how to access the justice system, including contacting the police, and
Information about the Victims Register.

The Helpline service is provided by the Victims Support Agency within the Department of Justice. The Helpline is available to all victims of crime, and there are no costs to access the Helpline.

Further information can be found on the Victims of Crime Helpline webpage. Please visit this site for information and contact details for the services available.

The Victims Assistance and Counselling Program

The Victim Support Agency funds a network of Victims Assistance and Counselling Programs (VACPs) throughout metropolitan and regional Victoria. The VACP programs assist victims, their families or anyone affected by a violent crime to access information, counselling and practical support.

Eligible victims of crime may be able to access short term counselling through the VACP to assist them in their recovery from the effects of crime.

The current eligibility criteria for access to short term counselling through the VACP are:

primary victims of a violent crime (and related victims in the case of homicide/culpable driving offences) which occurred and was reported to police within the past 24 months. The crime must have occurred in Victoria; and
victims of domestic violence who have been granted an intervention order within the past 24 months.

A list of the current VACP service providers (names and contact details) is available on the Victims of Crime website.

A Victim’s Guide to Support Services and the Criminal Justice System

The Victim’s Guide to Support Services and the Criminal Justice System aims to make the criminal justice system more accessible for victims of crime. It explains in plain language what help is available, from the time a crime occurs right through to after the court case has concluded. It also provides information about the many support services available, including:

Where to go for counselling
How to apply for compensation or financial assistance to help with medical expenses or loss of income
Where to get help if you have to go to court, and
A comprehensive list of support services.

Copies of the Guide can be downloaded from the Victims of Crime webpage.

Victims Support Agency

Victims Guide to Support Services and the Criminal Justice System