Disclaimer: The material in this print-out relates to the law as it applies in the state of Victoria. It is intended as a general guide only. Readers should not act on the basis of any material in this print-out without getting legal advice about their own particular situations. Victoria Legal Aid disclaims any liability howsoever caused to any person in respect of any action taken in reliance on the contents of the publication.

We help Victorians with their legal problems and represent those who need it most. Find legal answers, chat with us online, or call us. You can speak to us in English or ask for an interpreter. You can also find more legal information at www.legalaid.vic.gov.au

Our Morwell office is closed due to renovations. The office can be contacted on (03) 5126 6444 or search our
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Victims Legal Service

The Victims Legal Service provides free legal advice and support to people who have suffered injury or loss because of a crime.

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Advice about alleged incidents in childcare centres

If you need help concerning the alleged incidents at Victorian childcare centres, please contact the dedicated Department of Health advice line on 1800 791 241. The phone line is open 7 days a week, 8 am to 9 pm weekdays and 8 am to 5 pm on weekends.

The Victorian Government page Investigation of alleged incidents in childcare centres may also be helpful.

Our Victims Legal Service Helpline can also provide legal information and advice about financial assistance options. It is available to victims of crime and their family members

Call 1800 531 566 from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday.

The Victims Legal Service is a free service provided in partnership through:

  • Victoria Legal Aid
  • Community Legal Centre's
  • Aboriginal legal services.

It provides legal information, advice, referrals and support to people who have suffered injury or loss because of a crime and need help to receive:

Eligibility

The service is available to all victims of crime who need legal information or advice.

How to get help

If you or someone you support:

  • needs help, you can contact the Victims Legal Service Helpline on 1800 531 566 between 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday.
  • are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, you may choose to get assistance from an Aboriginal legal service provider. These providers include Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service and Djirra. You can contact these services directly, or contact the Victims Legal Service Helpline to be referred.
  • speak another language you can contact the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 and ask to speak to Legal Help who will put you in touch with the Victims Legal Service Helpline.

Confidentiality

If you have suffered medical or psychological injury as a result of a crime, you may have received counselling or treatment from a counsellor, doctor, or psychologist.

Because of this you might feel uncomfortable with details being shared in a court proceeding.

We can help you understand your options to protect this information, including medical or counselling records.

What the service can't provide

The Victims Legal Service can only assist with:

  • financial compensation through the Victims of Crime Financial Assistance Scheme
  • restitution and compensation orders (RACOs) – an order by a court that the perpetrator of a crime must pay you compensation
  • protecting your confidential communications and health information during court proceedings.

Not all types of crime can be compensated through the Victims of Crime Financial Scheme, or by a restitution and compensation order.

For instance, you cannot normally be compensated for loss of property through these schemes (for example, if your car is stolen and there is no violence involved).

More information

You can contact the Victims Legal Service for information and advice if you want to know whether you are eligible for compensation as a victim of crime.

If the Victims Legal Service is unable to assist you, we will refer you to another service that may be able to provide you with the support you need.

Victims of Crime helpline

The Victims Legal Service forms part of a broader Victorian Government services for victims of crime, including the Victims Assistance Program, which provides non-legal support to victims of crime.

The Victims of Crime Helpline is a first step to contacting the Victims Assistance Program and other free services in Victoria.

It provides information, advice and support about a range of important issues for victims of crime. Importantly, it provides referrals to service agencies so you don’t have to repeat your story twice.

You can call or text the Victims of Crime Helpline by calling 1800 819 817 or via text on 0427 767 891.

Opening hours:

  • 8 am to 7 pm, Monday to Friday
  • 8 am to 5 pm, weekends and public holidays.

More information about the Victims of Crime Helpline and the Victims Assistance program can be found on the Victims of Crime website

Publications and resources

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Victims of crime

Learn about rights and where to get support for people who have suffered physical or emotional injury, or financial loss because of a crime.

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