Frequently Asked Questions.
If you are entitled to support under the Scheme, no time limit applies for applications for counselling services. In respect of most financial assistance or recognition payments, there is a two-year time limit from the date of the violent crime. If you were under the age of 18 at the time of the violent crime, the two-year time limit commences from the date you turn 18. Some payments have more lenient time limits, for example for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, or crimes against young people.
This depends on the financial assistance to which you are entitled. Financial support available includes:
- Financial assistance for immediate needs: to assist with urgent needs such as moving house, installing alarms or changing locks, and emergency medical expenses, you will be entitled to up to $5,000, or $9,500 for funeral expenses.
- Financial assistance for economic loss: to assist with lost income, ongoing medical expenses, justice-related expenses and loss/damage to items, you will be entitled to up to $30,000, with individual limits on specific categories of expenses.
- Recognition payments: in recognition of the trauma associated with the violent crime, payment will depend on the act of violence itself. These payments range from $1500 to $15,000.
Application forms can be found at www.victimsservices.justice.nsw.gov.au. For information and support, please contact the NSW Department of Communities and Justice on 1800 633 063. Alternatively, contact our team of experts for a free honest consultation about your entitlements under the Scheme or otherwise.
This will depend on the assistance you seek. For financial assistance applications, medical reports, police reports and relevant invoices must generally accompany your application forms. Where financial loss (such as loss of income) is sought, you will often need to provide a letter from your employer, and an explanation of how the financial loss relates to the act of violence. This may come in the form of a victim impact statement, for example.
You will not be entitled to seek assistance under the NSW Scheme, however similar schemes exist in other jurisdictions including Victoria, South Australia and Queensland. Please seek legal advice for more information on the support services available in your State.
The Aboriginal Legal Service is available to those identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent. Any victim of domestic violence, family violence, or other act of violence who identifies as such, should consult with the Aboriginal Legal Service. Alternatively, our legal team is well-equipped to provide tailored, sensitive legal advice about the victims support services available to you. Legal Aid is also available in all Australian States.
