Other assistance for victims
In addition to financial assistance, other forms of assistance can be obtained from various ACT Government agencies.
Victims Services Scheme
The Victims Services Scheme is an ACT Government Service for victims of crime provided in partnership by ACT Community Health and the Victims of Crime Assistance League [VOCAL (ACT) Inc.].
The Victims Services Scheme provides assistance to help victims recover from the harm they have suffered. The assistance includes:
- counselling
- physiotherapy
- massage therapy, and
- services from psychologists and social workers.
All victims can are entitled to two hours of service and victims of violent crime are entitled to another six hours. Further service can also be recommended by their case coordinator.
For more information, please see Victim Services Scheme (ACT Government) or Victims of Crime Support Program Annual Report 2006-07 (PDF, 457kB).
Victims of Crime Assistance League
The Victims of Crime Assistance League (VOCAL) is a non-government group, which was formed by victims of crime several years ago. The Assistance League assists victims and their families by providing telephone support, information, counselling, outreach and support during court proceedings.
Victims of Crime Coordinator
The Victims of Crime Coordinator is an independent person appointed by the government to promote proper treatment of victims. The Coordinator can report to the government about problems and suggest improvements to the system.
Domestic Violence Crisis Service
The Domestic Violence Crisis Service is a 24 hour, seven days a week service for all people affected by domestic violence. It offers crisis visits, information, referrals and support.
Contacts
| Services | Contact numbers |
|---|---|
| ACT Magistrates Court | (02) 6217 4444 |
| Domestic Violence Crisis Service | (02) 6280 0900 |
| Law Society Legal Advice Bureau (Free lunchtime appointments) |
(02) 6247 5700 |
| Legal Aid Office (ACT) (Free half hour appointments) | (02) 6243 347 |
| Legal Aid Advice Line (open Mon-Fri 9am-4pm) | 1300 654 314 |
| Victims of Crime Assistance League (VOCAL) | (02) 6295 9600 |
| Victims of Crime Coordinator's Office | (02) 6257 8452 or (02) 6217 4381 |
| Victims Services Scheme | 1800 822 272 |
| Women's Legal Centre (ACT & Region) Inc. | (02) 6257 4499 (local) 1800 634 669 (advice line open Mon-Fri 9.30am-12.00pm outside Canberra) |
ACT Policing contacts
| Victims of crime - police assistance (ACT only) | Victim Liaison Officer, City Police Station London Circuit, Canberra City ACT 2601 | Ph: (02) 6245 7441 for appointment Email Victims liaison |
| Domestic Violence Crisis Service | Ph: (02) 6280 0900 (Crisis Service) www.dvcs.org.au |
| Gay and Lesbian Liaison Officers | Network Facilitator, Worklife Diversity PO Box 401 Canberra City ACT 2601 | Ph: (02) 6256 7777 |