Help for victims of crime

In an emergency, when an urgent police response is required, call ‘000’ to report a crime.

Victims Support Agency

Victims Support Agency (VSA) gives practical assistance to help victims recover from the effects of crime.

VSA runs the Victims of Crime Helpline, a free service offering information, advice and referrals to help victims to manage and recover from the effects of crime. Helpline staff can also contact other agencies on your behalf so you don't need to repeat your story. The helpline is open 8.30 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday on 1800 819 817.

VSA also manages:

• the Victims Assistance and Counselling Program, which provides short-term counselling, ongoing practical support, outreach services, court support, referral to specialist support groups
• the Victims Register, which allows a victim of violent crime to be advised at key points while the offender is under sentence or (where applicable) extended supervision after completing the sentence.

Call the helpline for more information about these services.

See ‘Attending court as a witness’ for information about support services at courts for victims of crime.

More information

Attending court as a witness

Related publications

Sexual assault: the law, your rights as a victim

Related websites

Department of Justice – A victim's guide to support services and the criminal justice system 

How we can help

Call Legal Help for free information over the phone about the law and how we can help you with your legal problem. You can speak to a legal information officer in English or ask for an interpreter. Phone (03) 9269 0120 or 1800 677 402 (country callers), Monday to Friday from 8.45 am to 5.15 pm.

Our other free legal services include:

• advice at our offices and other locations across Victoria
• lawyers who are on ‘duty’ to help at many courts and tribunals.

For some civil matters we can provide you with a lawyer to help you run your case.

To find out more about any of our legal services see What we do.