Department of Justice & Regulation

The Victims of Crime Helpline

1800 819 817

What is the Victims of Crime Helpline?

The Victorian Government’s Victims of Crime Helpline provides free information, support and referral to victims of crime. It’s the gateway for victims to receive a range of services to help them manage the effects of crime.

Research shows that victims benefit from receiving support early, both in terms of helping their recovery and improving their experience of the criminal justice system.

What are the effects of crime on victims?

Crime can affect people physically, emotionally, socially and financially. Every person’s reaction is different.

Emotions range from shock, fear and anger through to sadness, confusion and helplessness.

Experiencing some or all of these feelings is a normal reaction to being a victim of crime.

In most cases these feelings are temporary. With support, most people recover from the incident in a few weeks or months. Other people find the recovery process more difficult.

Who should contact the Victims of Crime Helpline?

Victims of crime – and their family and friends – can contact the helpline for information and support.

How can victims contact the Victims of Crime Helpline?

Call: 1800 819 817

Text: 0427 767 891

Email:

Open 8am–11pm, 7 days a week.

What does the Victims of Crime Helpline provide?

The helpline provides:

  • information about victims’ rights and entitlements
  • advice about reporting a crime
  • connections to other services, such as counselling, medical, legal, transport and emergency security services
  • help to navigate the criminal justice system, including after the offender is in jail
  • help applying for compensation and financial assistance.

Referral to support services

Through the Victims Assistance Program, victims can get help with:

  • managing their day to day needs
  • emergency home security
  • managing personal safety
  • communicating with police and making a report
  • organising counselling, transport and medical services
  • getting ready for court
  • preparing a Victim Impact Statement
  • applying for financial assistance.

This free service is available state-wide by contacting the Victims of Crime Helpline.

Help to navigate the criminal justice system

Helping victims:

  • get updates during the police investigation
  • find out when charges are laid
  • get dates and times of court hearings
  • understand what happens at court
  • access information and services that can help them after court.

Support is also available for victims who have to give evidence at court.

Help to prepare a Victim Impact Statement

In a Victim Impact Statement, victims can explain to the court how the crime has affected them physically, emotionally, socially and financially. This statement is considered by the judge or magistrate when determining the offenders’ sentence.

Help dealing with family violence

The helpline offers advice about applying for an intervention order to protect victims and their families from anyone who is violent, threatening or abusive, and refers victims to family violence support specialists.

Getting information about the offender

Victims can be notified before an offender is released on parole and can get other information while the offender is in jail for the crime committed against them. To get this information, victims must apply to be placed on the Victims Register.

Referral to other specialist services

Connecting victims to specialist services for:

  • family violence
  • sexual assault
  • legal
  • children / youth
  • housing.

Help applying for financial assistance

The Victims of Crime Helpline connects victims with services to help make an application to the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal (VOCAT).

Victims can apply to VOCAT for a payment to help with:

  • medical bills
  • loss of income
  • counselling
  • funeral costs.