Victims of Crime
If you are the victim of a violent crime and have suffered an injury; or are a secondary or related victim to someone who has died as the result of a violent crime, you may be eligible for financial assistance.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The new Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS) commenced operation on 18 November 2024 and is replacing the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal (VOCAT).
VOCAT is now not accepting any new applications for financial assistance, variations of awards for finalised VOCAT applications, or invoices/receipts for payment of authorised future expenses awarded as part of a finalised VOCAT application. These MUST be filed with the FAS directly.
Find out more information about the FAS by calling 1800 161 136 or visiting victimsofcrime.vic.gov.au/fas.
Due to an influx in applications, our practice is running a wait list for Victims of Crime FAS applications.
If you would like our assistance and you can wait until January for us to contact you please join our wait list, by completing your details in our portal
A member of our team will then be in touch in the next 6 to 8 weeks to progress your matter.
An award financial assistance to eligible victims of a violent crime occurring in Victoria to assist their recovery. Often these awards are to assist with costs related to funeral (FAS) expenses, counselling and other therapeutic treatments. The Financial Assistance Scheme may also grant a 'distress' payment or special financial award, akin to compensation in recognition of the impact the crime has had on victims and family members.
Who may apply
You may be eligible for FAS assistance if you are a
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Primary Victim – you have been injured by an act of violence, including while trying to prevent a violent crime.
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Secondary Victim – you were injured through witnessing an act of violence, or you are a parent or guardian injured as a result of learning about an act of violence committed against your child who is under 18 years old.
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Related Victim – you are a close family member, dependant or a person who had an intimate relationship with a person who died as a result of an act of violence.
An injury can be physical or psychological, including the worsening of an existing psychological or psychiatric illness. It does not include injury from property loss or damage.
To be eligible for assistance you must have reported the crime to police within a reasonable time (usually within 3 years or up to 10 years for family violence and sexual assault) and cooperate with their investigations. There are exceptions to this (for child victims) - our victims of crime lawyers can assist you if you fall outside these limitation periods.
Other Relief:
Other remedies open to some victims of crime.
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Victims who have suffered an injury as a direct result of an offence where a person has been found guilty of that offence and is convicted, may upon application to the Court under the Sentencing Act 1991 (Vic) seek an order of compensation. Applications must be made within 12 months of a conviction.
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Furthermore, a victim may seek compensation through a civil court action, under the common law withing 3 years from the date of the act of violence.
The costs of these alternate actions are self-funded private costs by the applicant and are not covered or reimbursed by the victims of crime tribunal.