VOCAL’s team of victim support specialists offer a free service to victims of crime and the community and our trauma-informed professionals pride themselves on tailoring support to suit the personal needs of each client. Men, women and children are welcome to attend office appointments or can work with staff via phone or email.
Emotional Support
We understand that experiencing crime creates some very complex emotional challenges. It is natural to feel anxious, anger, fear, grief or shame, and things can quickly become overwhelming. Staff can help you understand these emotions, and work on recovery-orientated processes.
For people who have suffered from a violent crime, staff can assist you in applying for free counselling under the NSW Victims Support Scheme.
Practical Help
For many people, practical assistance is a priority. This can include things such as:
- Relocation advice and referrals to Specialist Homelessness Services and, where eligible, financial assistance for relocation for victims of domestic violence
- Personal safety planning
- Home security upgrades
- Assistance with accessing medical information
- Reporting to police
- Court information and support
We listen to what your needs are, and discuss options and can help you re-establish a sense of personal safety.
For violent crimes that occur in NSW, counselling and financial assistance is available through the Victims Services. Note: Different crime types have different time periods that you can apply for assistance. Please check here for more information.
Court Information and Support
If you are required to attend court, we can assist by providing general information on how the criminal justice system works. This can include:
- Local Court mentions
- Local Court hearings for AVO and/or criminal matters
- District Court trials
- Supreme Court trials
- Sentencing
- Victim Impact Statements (if relevant)
- Victims Register applications (if the offender is sentenced to a term of imprisonment)
- State Parole Authority submissions (when the offender is due to be released from jail)
- Coroners Court
- Mental Health Review Tribunal
Many of our clients request a tour of the court facilities prior to the date they are subpoenaed to give evidence. This can help reduce anxiety, and is part of our court preparation service. Court support throughout the hearing or trial is tailored to the needs of each client and we work in conjunction with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and Witness Assistance Program.
Would you like to refer to our Victim Support Unit?
Please note you can refer yourself to our service, as well as family and friends with consent to do so, or if you are an agency representative you can refer a client you are working with. An intake screening will take place to ensure eligibility prior to consultation with our Victim Support Unit.
Click on the corresponding button below and fill in as many details as possible so we can best assist you through intake.
(Select the above option also if you are a family member or friend)
Support in other states
Our Victim Support Unit focuses on crimes that have been committed in NSW. For interstate support options please see below.
The Queensland Government website and the service Victims LinkUp provides an information and referral service for victims and their families. They can put victims in contact with support services that will meet their individual needs and can also provide information on financial assistance.
Victims Connect – 24/7 Service
Victim Connect is a free and confidential service that can provide specialist counselling and case management to assist with the practical impacts of violent crime.
The Department of Justice links to the Victim Support Agency and provides information, support and referrals to victims, professionals and the public within Victoria.
Victims of Crime Counselling and Compensation Services
Victims of Crime Counselling & Compensation Services (VOCCS) specializes in the provision of counselling and compensation services to victims of crime in Melbourne, Victoria.
The official Victorian Government service offering free information and support for people affected by crime.
Victims Support Services is part of the Department of Justice and is dedicated to victims of crime. They provide support and information, financial assistance and Court Support.
Phone: 03 6165 7524
VSA works towards improvements in the rights and services available to victims of crime within the justice, health and welfare systems.
Phone: (02) 6205 2066 or 1800 822 272
Email victimsupport@act.gov.au
ACT Policing Victims of Crime Team
ACT Policing has a dedicated Victims of Crime Team who offer support to victims by providing access to counselling and support services, assistance with Victim Impact Statements,information on financial assistance available, information and support around the court process and updates on Court matters.
Victims of crime Western Australia
The Government of Western Australia is committed to responding to the needs of victims of crime, and those who are indirectly affected by that crime, such as families, friends and/or colleagues.
Victim Support Service Inc. is a community based, not-for-profit organisation. They provide a range of services for crime victims, their families, friends and the wider community.
Victims of Crime NT Inc. is a community based organisation, providing support, information, referral & advocacy to victims in the Northern Territory.
