How much do your services cost?
There is no cost to access our victims of crime services. All our expenses are funded by the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal (VOCAT).
At RV Legal, we take the time to listen to your case and provide the best level of support after a traumatic experience.
If your services are free, how do you cover your costs?
Our costs are covered by the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal (VOCAT).
We will take the time to listen to your story. We will then provide careful and accurate legal advice to ensure you get the compensation you deserve following a crime.
What sort of compensation can victims of crime receive?
Financial compensation can be given to victims of violent crimes to help cover certain costs, including:
- medical expenses: hospital admissions, doctor visits, surgery, ongoing medical care
- counselling: psychiatry, psychology, psychotherapy
- loss of earnings: days taken off or jobs lost due to distress or injury
- safety related expenses: installation of security cameras, new locks
- funeral costs.
The maximum amount of compensation payable is $100,000. This is typically offered in the instance where a person has died because of a crime.
How is compensation calculated for victims of crime?
The amount of compensation awarded to a victim of a violent crime varies depending on a variety of factors.
These factors include:
- the circumstances in which the crime took place
- the severity of the injuries sustained
- if the victim’s own actions contributed to the offence
- if the victim cooperated with police enquiries.
There are different compensation schemes depending on whether you are the primary, or secondary victim of a violent crime.
If you are a primary victim of a crime, you may be eligible for compensation up to $60,000. This applies to those who have had an act of violence committed towards them.
If you are a secondary victim of crime, you may be entitled for up to $50,000. This is allocated to those who witness an act of violence or are injured at the scene of a crime.
Both primary and secondary victims can apply for up to $20,000 compensation for any loss of income. This is included in the capped amounts.
In addition, related victims of crime include close family members, dependents, and intimate partners of primary victims of crime. These related victims of crime are eligible of amounts up to $50,000.
What is the role of the victims of crime assistance tribunal?
In Victoria, the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal (VOCAT) oversees the application process for financial assistance for victims of crime.
VOCAT offers a compassionate avenue for victims of crime by paying for expenses that have been incurred.
The Tribunal is supported by the Victims of Crime Assistance Act 1996, which offers financial assistance in line with the compensation a victim may be entitled to under common law.
What are the steps in the victims of crime application process?
In order to receive financial help following a violent crime, an application needs to be lodged and considered by the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal (VOCAT).
There are three key steps in the victims of crime application process:
- police investigation
- consultation with a lawyer
- filing an application.
RV Legal understands this complex road and will take the time to collect the relevant information about your case.
Who is considered a victim of crime?
A victim of crime is someone who has experienced a physical, emotional, or psychological injury, or suffered financial loss because of a crime.
If you have witnessed an act of violence, you may also be considered a victim of crime.
In Victoria, the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal (VOCAT) oversees the application process for financial assistance for victims of crime.
It is supported by the Victims of Crime Assistance Act 1996, which outlines how you should be treated and supported by authorities and agencies that offer victim support.
What is considered a crime?
The Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal (VOCAT) protects people who have experienced a violent crime.
These crimes may include:
- a violent attack
- being robbed
- family or domestic violence
- sexual assault
- witnessing a crime
- a family member killed or injured as a result of a violent attack
- culpable driving.
There is financial assistance available for people who meet this eligibility criteria following a violent crime.
What sort of medical expenses can I claim?
Victims of a violent crime may sustain injuries that require medical attention.
These medical expenses are covered by the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal (VOCAT).
There is financial support available for:
- hospital admission
- surgery
- anaesthesia
- ambulance expenses
- emergency care
- dental
- optometry
- physiotherapy
- other rehabilitation services.
This financial assistance helps to ensure the process of recovery and ongoing care is smooth.
Can I claim counselling support?
Victims of crime have access to a range of counselling and support services.
The Victorian Government’s Victims of Crime Helpline offers advice and support to victims of crime.
The Helpline can also connect you with professional services, who can provide counselling and other forms of assistance.
There are also telephone and online counselling services, which may be helpful:
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- Sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service: 1800 737 732
- WIRE: Women’s Information and Referral Exchange: 1300 134 130
- MensLine Australia: 1300 789 978
- Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
- Switchboard Victoria: 1800 184 527.
RV Legal also has exclusive access to a counsellor so you don’t have to wait months to talk to someone.
Our services do not require a referral, and counselling can take place over telehealth.
How can I contact RV Legal?
Our team is available for free telephone consultations, where you can speak with our legal representatives about your claim for compensation.
You can contact us online or call our office (03) 8340 0436.
Where is RV Legal located?
Our offices are based at Suite 309, 12-16 Parker Street, Williamstown, 3016.
You can also contact us over the phone on (03) 8340 0436.
Why should I choose RV Legal?
Our team are passionate about offering support to victims of crime. We take the time to listen to your story and offer kind, empathetic and professional legal support.
We are the experts in providing legal services to people from a variety of backgrounds. We’ll make sure the legal process is smooth, simple and as stress free as possible.
Contact Us Now
Contact a lawyer to lend a helping hand with your legal concerns.
Our team will take the time to listen, learn and support you through some of your toughest times.
Our services are free of charge to victims of crime.
