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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

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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.

On this page

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

It is a free service provided in partnership through:

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

How we can help

The Victims Legal Service is available to all victims of crime who need legal information or advice.

We can help victims of crime to:

  • apply for financial assistance through the Victims of Crime Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS)
  • seek restitution and compensation from the person who committed the crime
  • seek to protect confidential communications and health information during court proceedings for victims of sexual violence
  • connect with other support services to provide further help.

Not all types of crime can be compensated through the FAS, or by a restitution and compensation order. For instance, you cannot normally be compensated for loss of property throug these schemes (for example, if your car is stolen, or if there in no violence involved.)

Applying for financial assistance

People who have been injured by a violent crime in Victoria can apply for financial assistance through the Victims of Crime Financial Assistance Scheme.

This can be a mental or physical injury, or both. This also includes trauma.

We can help you understand whether you are eligible for financial assistanceas a victim of crime.

We can also provide information, advice and assistance to apply for financial assistance through the FAS.

Protecting confidential communications (counselling and medical records) in court

If you are a victim of sexual violence, during the criminal trial, another person or organisation (including the person responsible for the violence) may make an application to the court for a subpoena to access your ‘confidential communications’ including medical and counselling records.

We can help you understand your rights and options to protect your confidential information, including providing legal assistance to prepare a confidential statement explaining the harm that would be caused if the information was released and representation in court to challenge an application to access your confidential information.

Supporting the safety of First Nations women

Victims Legal Service partner organisation Djirra can also help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander victim-survivors report sexual violence to police.

How to get help

Contact the Victims Legal Service Helpline on 1800 531 566 between 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday.

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.

If you 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.

Other support services

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. It also 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.

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.

Other support for victims of crime

Learn where to get legal help and other support for victims of crime.

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