More help for victims of crime

Victoria’s Victims of Crime Helpline will be available to help victims every day of the week under an expansion of services for crime victims to be funded in this year’s budget.

Victims of crime will be able to access the Helpline from 8am to 11pm on Saturdays and Sundays, in addition to the current 8am to 11pm weekday hours.

The expansion will also provide support packages for more than 6,000 additional crime victims each year.

The budget will provide funding for the expansion totalling $16.5 million over the next four years

“This expansion is part of the Coalition Government’s commitment to improve all aspects of the justice system’s support for victims of crime,” Attorney-General, Robert Clark, said.

“Victoria Police has recently expanded its use of the SupportLink program across Victoria, meaning police can electronically refer victims to the Helpline together with relevant details of the crime. The Helpline then contacts the victim directly to offer help and support based on the victim’s needs.

“Other reforms we have introduced for victims include legislation to make clear that prosecutors should consult with victims ahead of sentence indications, new laws for ordering offenders to pay compensation to their victims, a high-level consultative committee on victims’ issues and grants to assist victim self-help groups,” Mr Clark said.

The Victims of Crime Helpline on 1800 819 817 is the central gateway for victims of crime support services. It can provide on-the-spot information and advice, as well as putting victims in contact with a local Victims Assistance and Counselling Program provider.

VACP can provide a wide range of help and support, including emergency repairs and changing locks, finding accommodation, transport and medical services, counselling, communicating with police, finding lawyers or legal aid, preparing for court appearances, and applying for crimes compensation.

More information about the Victims of Crime Helpline and other support services can be found at the Victims of Crime website at www.victimsofcrime.vic.gov.au