If you have sustained injuries as a result of an act of violence in Victoria then you may be eligible to receive financial assistance and support from VOCAT.
Legal services are provided at no charge to victims of crime; our fees are separately paid for by the state government. Contact our office today on (03) 8658-0040, or book an appointment online. We meet with victims of crime at our Lilydale or Berwick offices, or can discuss your matter over the phone no matter where in Victoria you may live.
“I don’t know how can I express my feelings and emotions, that you have helped me out on my most difficult time of my life I have faced. Thank you, words are not enough for me.”
D.P., Cranbourne Victoria
What type of financial assistance can eligible victims claim for?
The Tribunal may award financial assistance for a range of expenses. The types of assistance that the Tribunal may award an eligible applicant will depend on whether they are a primary, secondary or related victim of crime. Some examples of financial assistance that a victim of crime may be eligible for include:
- Reasonable counselling expenses
- Reasonable medical expenses (including dental, optometry, physiotherapy, hospital and ambulance expenses)
- The replacement of damaged clothing worn at the time of the crime
- Reasonable safety-related expenses
- Lost earnings up to a maximum of $20,000
- Special financial assistance – a symbolic lump sum payment of up to $10,000
- Distress and dependency
- Reasonable funeral expenses
- In exceptional circumstances, other reasonable expenses that will assist an applicant in their recovery from the crime
Financial assistance may be awarded for reasonable expenses actually incurred, or which are likely to be incurred in the future, as a direct result of the crime.
Is there a time limit to making an application with Victims of Crime?
Generally speaking, applications should be lodged within two years from the date of the act of violence. It is possible to seek an extension of time in some circumstances. You should seek legal advice immediately to discuss what options may be available.
What should I do if I have been a victim of crime?
Johnstone and Reimer Lawyers offer specialised services to assist you in the process of making an application to VOCAT, ensuring you have access to financial assistance to support you in your recovery.
We would be happy to discuss all available options with you so that you can move forward with confidence. Contact us today on ((03) 8658-0040 to set up an appointment, or book an appointment online.
[My wife] and I received our money from VOCAT this week and we would like to take this opportunity to thank you very much for all your efforts on our behalf.
To have all our claims rewarded with a cheque is thanks to your hard work. We thought that the process was handled very professionally by you as everything went smoothly and efficiently. It is not something that we would wish to repeat, but should such circumstances repeat themselves in the future we know who to turn to for help. Thank you again.
Anon, Victoria
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Call our office on (03) 8658-0040 to book your free initial consultation now with one of our VOCAT lawyers, or book in a time which suits using our online calendar:
