Victim Support Unit

Our Victim Support Unit offers 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.

For emotional support, practical help, or court support contact VOCAL today.

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.

For many people, practical assistance is a priority. This can include things such as:

• Relocation
• 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.

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.