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Victims of crime – WA

Compensation

If you have been injured or suffered loss as a result of a criminal offence, you may be able to:

  • ask the court dealing with the offender to give you a compensation or restitution order against the offender
  • make a claim for compensation to the Office of Criminal Injuries Compensation
  • bring a common law claim against the offender.

The most practical course of action is usually to make a claim for criminal injuries compensation.

People who can make a claim include:

  • the victim
  • in some cases, a close relative including parents, grandparents, step-parents, spouses or de facto partners, children, grandchildren or step-children – get legal advice if you belong to this group and believe you may have a claim.

A claim can be made to the Office of Criminal Injuries Compensation if the injury occurred on or after 22 January 1971. You have three years from the date of the incident, or the date of the last in a series of incidents, to make a claim.

The time limit may be extended in some cases. If you believe you have a claim but are outside the time limit, get legal advice.

More information

Family violence

Getting legal help

Related websites

Legal Aid Western Australia – compensation for victims of crime (new window)