Support for victims of violent crime
The Victims Assistance Program provides information, practical supports and service referrals for victims of a violent crime or anyone affected by a violent crime.
If you have been impacted by family violence, sexual assault, physical assault, homicide or another violent crime, this program can support you.
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Find the help and support you need
If you have suffered physical or emotional harm resulting from a criminal act, we are here to support you.
The Victims Assistance Program is available for direct victims of a violent crime, to those who witness, or provide assistance at the scene of a violent crime, and to family members of affected victims.
Our Victims Assistance Program can support you by providing:
- referrals to additional support services, such as solicitors, counselling and therapeutic services
- information about the criminal justice system
- advocacy on the victim’s behalf
- help in making statements to police and courts
- support at court and VOCAT hearings
- assistance with preparation of Victim Impact Statements and submissions to the Adult Parole Board
Culturally sensitive support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander victims
Understanding the needs relevant to diverse communities is vital for providing culturally appropriate and effective support.
Our Koori Engagement Worker can provide confidential and culturally sensitive support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander victims of crime in the community.
How do I access this service?
Families and individuals can access this service calling our Victims Assistance Program central contact line on 1300 033 818 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm).
Or learn more about the Victims Assistance Program by calling one of our locations listed below.
Fees
There is no charge to access this service.
This service is funded by the Victorian State Government Department of Justice and Community Safety.
Privacy statement
CatholicCare Victoria, on behalf of the Department of Justice and Community Safety, collects personal information for the purpose of providing support to victims of crime. Your information is kept confidential in accordance with privacy laws. Without this information we may be unable to provide you with the adequate support you may require, for example referrals to appropriate programs or support services. Personal information may also be disclosed to other organisations under the Victims Assistance Program, the Victims of Crime Helpline and Information Sharing Entities under the Family Violence Information Sharing Scheme and the Child Information Sharing Scheme.
You can find out more about the Information Sharing Entities, including a list of Information Sharing Entities, on the information sharing and MARAM reforms website. You are able to request access to the personal information that we hold about you, and to request that it be corrected. If you have any queries or concerns, please contact vap@catholiccarevic.org.au. The Department respects individuals’ right to privacy. You can find out more on the Department’s website.
More information
You can access further information and support from the Victims of Crime Helpline Phone on 1800 819 817 open seven days a week 8am-11pm.
Learn more about VAP and domestic violence
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Sharing of client information
The Victims Assistance Program (VAP), as part of a state-wide VAP service, records your information on a victims of crime database owned by the Victorian government.
Your information is kept confidential in accordance with privacy laws. These laws allow for information to be shared, if it is being shared for the primary purpose it was collected for (e.g. providing support to a victim of crime).
This could include sharing your information with another VAP agency for the purpose of providing you with ongoing support, for example if you were to move into another region in Victoria. Your information will not be shared for any other reason without your express consent, except in circumstances as required by law, such as:
- if there is a belief that someone’s safety is at risk
- if there is a belief that your safety is at risk, either from yourself or someone else
- if there is a belief that a child has been sexually abused
- if there is a family violence risk that arises.
In circumstances where your information is shared, you will be advised wherever possible and as soon as practicable.
Family Violence information sharing
Laws governing the management of information about people involved in family violence, and the safety and wellbeing of children are changing.
Part 5A of the Family Violence Protection Act 2008 (Vic) and Part 6A of the Child Wellbeing and Safety Act 2005 (Vic) with their supporting regulations, permit a number of organisations to share current and previously collected information relating to family violence risk and the wellbeing or safety of children – to keep people safe and perpetrators of violence in view.
From 27 September 2018, CatholicCare Victoria will have a role under both schemes, along with a number of other agencies and their funded or contracted organisations.
More information about the Family Violence Information Sharing Scheme, is available on the Family Safety Victoria website.
More information about the Child Information Sharing Scheme.
Contact us
The Victims Assistance Program is offered at the following locations.
To make a booking or enquire about this service, please select your nearest office.
BallaratBallarat FRCHorsham
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