Victims of Crime Compensation Sydney

Am I entitled to victims of crime compensation?

Victims of crime compensation entitlements differ across Australia, depending on the State you are in and the support services available in your jurisdiction.

Compensation following an act of violence can be sought in a number of ways. One is via civil litigation covered above, and another is through the victim’s support service available in your jurisdiction.

In NSW, entitlement to victim’s of crime support is available to the following under the NSW Victims Support Scheme:

1. Primary victims – if you are the direct victim who has suffered physical or psychological injury as a result of a criminal act of violence against you, or a person who is otherwise involved in interfering with the carrying out of violent crime;
2. Secondary victims – those who have witnessed a violent crime (who are entitled to counselling services); and
3. Family victims – those who are the immediate family members of a homicide victim.

An explanation of the counselling services and financial assistance schemes available to each category is explored in more detail below. For a confidential discussion or if you would like further information regarding the support services that would suit your matter, contact our expert personal injury lawyers today.

Primary victims

Under the NSW Victims Support Scheme, primary victims of violent crimes are entitled to the following (subject to time limits for any financial assistance):

1. 22 hours of free counselling, with the option for more where required;
2. Financial assistance to meet immediate needs of victims, up to $5,000 to assist with any urgent expenses;
3. Ongoing financial assistance to help with economic losses or out-of-pocket expenses incurred as a result of the act of violence (including loss of earnings, medical expenses, justice-related expenses and compensation for lost or damaged items such as clothing).
4. Recognition payments – to recognise the trauma experienced by victims of violent crime, and range from $1,500 to $15,000.

Under the Scheme, any parent, step-parent or guardian of a primary victim who is a child is also entitled to certain financial assistance for immediate needs and financial loss as a result of the crime, as a related victim.

Secondary victims

Secondary victims are not entitled to financial assistance or recognition payments, but are entitled to counselling services of up to 22 hours.

Family victims

Family victims include a spouse, primary carer (including parent, step-parent or guardian), dependant, or sibling of a victim of a homicide. Under the Scheme, family victims are entitled to the following:

1. counselling services;
2. financial assistance for immediate needs;
3. financial assistance for justice-related expenses (legal costs); and
4. financial assistance for the funeral of the primary victim.