What is Victim Assist Queensland?
Victim Assist Queensland provides information and advice for victims of crime including information about support services, victims' rights and financial assistance.
Victim Assist Queensland focuses on victim recovery by paying for, or reimbursing the costs of goods and services that a victim requires to help them recover from the physical and psychological effects of a crime. Victim Assist Queensland aims to provide a tailored, needs-based response, focusing on financial assistance and support for victims rather than just criminal compensation.
Victim Assist commenced on 1 December 2009, and replaced the criminal compensation schemes of Criminal Offence Victims Act 1995 (COVA) and the Criminal Code 1899 (the Code).
Information and Referral Service – Victims LinkUp
Victims Assist provides a central information and referral service for victims of crime. The information service assists victims by:
- connecting victims with a free counselling service
- assisting with the completion of a financial assistance application
- assisting with the completion of a victim impact statement
- helping victims understand rights
- arranging a referral for court support.
Victims Assist provides a phone service during business hours (8.30am to 5pm Monday to Friday) and a website for victims of crime to access 24 hours a day.
Legal assistance
Victim Assist Queensland recognises that some individuals will require assistance in completing applications for financial assistance.
On the Queensland Law Society website you can search the Find a Solicitor directory which may help victims contact legal firms or practitioners who are available to assist victims in making an application to Victim Assist Queensland.
We note that under the Victims of Crime Assistance Act 2009 eligible victims are entitled to receive a grant of up to $500 for legal costs incurred in applying for assistance under the Act. Recently, the Director-General issued a Guideline to ensure consistency and transparency for victims of crime if they apply for legal assistance.
Contact details for Victims Assist Queensland
Victim Assist Queensland operates under the direction of the Department of Justice and Attorney-General.
Information request form
Email: victimassist@justice.qld.gov.au
Phone: 1300 546 587 (business hours)
Website: Victims Assist Queensland