There are a number of community and government organisations in the Australian Capital Territory which provide information, advice and support to victims of crime. Some of the services currently operating in the Australian Capital Territory that may be of assistance to you are:
Victim Support ACT incorporates two main services: The Victims Services Scheme and the Justice Advocacy Unit.
The Victims Services Scheme (VSS) provides access to counsellors who are skilled and experienced in working with victims of all types of crimes. The VSS also has a mix of professional staff that provide rehabilitation, support and practical assistance to victims of crime. The VSS can be contacted via the toll free number 1800 822 272 or email victimsupport@act.gov.au.
The Justice Advocacy Unit (JAU) provides victims of crime with information, advocacy and assistance throughout the criminal justice process. The JAU can be contacted on telephone (02) 6205 0365 or email victimsupport@act.gov.au.
The Victims of Crime Coordinator (VoCC) is an independent statutory entity that can provide direct assistance and advocacy for victims of crime. The VoCC can be contacted on telephone 1800 822 272 or email vocc@act.gov.au.
VOCAL provides practical assistance, emotional support, counselling and help with applying for compensation, either directly or through referral. VOCAL also provides a victim support group and publishes a quarterly newsletter that is available through membership. VOCAL can be contacted on telephone (02) 6295 9600 or email vocalact@cyberone.com.au.
The Canberra Rape Crisis Centre provides counselling, support, information and advocacy to women and children who have experienced any form of sexual abuse. The services provided by the Canberra Rape Crisis Centre are free and confidential. The Canberra Rape Crisis Centre can be contacted on telephone (02) 6247 2525 (24 hours/7 days), (02) 6247 8071 (Business hours) or (02) 6247 1657 (TTY – Business hours).
The Service Assisting Male Survivors of Sexual Assault (SAMSSA) provides counselling, support and information to male survivors of sexual assault and child sexual abuse. SAMSSA can be contacted on telephone (02) 6262 7377 during business hours.
The Domestic Violence Crisis Service provides 24-hour crisis intervention, telephone support, information, referrals and access to safe accommodation agencies for any person affected by abusive and violent behaviours in a relationship or family. The Domestic Violence Crisis Service can be contacted on telephone (02) 6280 0900 (24 hours/7 days) or (02) 6228 1852 (TTY).
Lifeline provides counselling services through a team of volunteer counsellors. Services are free and available on telephone 13 11 14 (24 hours/7 days).
Kids Helpline is a national telephone counselling services for children and young people under 18 years of age. Kids Helpline can be contacted on telephone 1800 551 800 (24 hours/7 days).
The ACT Victims Register was established to keep victims of crime informed of the progress of an offender through the correctional system. Should you have any questions about your rights as a victim or would like further information about the ACT Victims Register, please contact the Victim Liaison Officer of ACT Corrective Services on:
Phone: (02) 6207 0836Fax: (02) 6207 5246Email: victims.register@act.gov.au
Postal correspondence should be sent to:
The Victim Liaison OfficerACT Corrective ServicesGPO Box 158Canberra ACT 2601
Please mark the envelope "Private and Confidential"
There are specialist staff within the criminal justice system that help victims and witnesses through the investigation and prosecutorial process. Should you have any questions about an offender that is yet to be sentenced, the following agencies may be able to assist you:
Victims Liaison OfficeTelephone: (02) 6245 7441Email: Victims-Liaison-Office@afp.gov.au
Witness Assistance ServiceTelephone: (02) 6207 5399
Telephone: 1800 822 272Email: vocc@act.gov.au
Criminal JurisdictionTelephone: (02) 6207 1728Email: magistrates.court@act.gov.au
Criminal MattersTelephone: (02) 6205 4902
The provision of information to crime victims is a feature of every correctional agency in Australia.
If the offender for whom you wish to receive information about has been sentenced in a State or Territory other than the Australian Capital Territory, you may need to request placement on the Victims Register for that State or Territory.
As each jurisdiction has differing eligibility criteria for registration, it is recommended that prior to submitting a request for registration you contact the appropriate State or Territory authority to discuss whether you are eligible to register as a victim.
Information about other victim registers in Australia can be obtained by contacting:
NSW Victims RegisterDepartment of Corrective ServicesGPO Box 31Sydney NSW 2001
Telephone: (02) 8346 1374Email: restorative.justice@dcs.nsw.gov.auWebsite: www.dcs.nsw.gov.au
RegistrarVictims Register of VictoriaGPO Box 4349Melbourne VIC 3001
Telephone: (03) 8684 6700Email: VictimsRegister@justice.vic.gov.auWebsite: www.justice.vic.gov.au
Queensland Corrective Services Victims RegisterGPO Box 1054Brisbane QLD 4001
Telephone: 1800 098 098 (free call)Email: Victims.Register@correctiveservices.qld.gov.auWebsite: www.correctiveservices.qld.gov.au
Victims Support UnitDepartment of Justice Correctional ServicesGPO Box 1747Adelaide SA 5001
Telephone: (08) 8226 9000Website: www.corrections.sa.gov.au
Victim Notification RegistryGPO Box 6702East Perth WA 6892
Telephone: (08) 9425 2870Email: vnr@correctiveservices.wa.gov.auWebsite: www.correctiveservices.wa.gov.au
Victims Assistance UnitDepartment of JusticeGPO Box 825Hobart TAS 7001
Telephone: (03) 6233 5002Email: victims@justice.tas.gov.auWebsite: www.justice.tas.gov.au
Co-ordinatorNorthern Territory Victims RegisterCrime Victims Services Unit
Telephone: 1800 221 372 (free call)Email: victims.register@nt.gov.auWebsite: www.justice.nt.gov.au
