Victims Support Scheme
If you are a victim of violent crime (including if you are a family member of a homicide victim) you may be eligible for support and assistance under the NSW Victims Support Scheme.
The scheme is run by Victims Services, which is part of the NSW Department of Communities and Justice.
It provides:
- information, support, and referrals to other services
- financial assistance for immediate needs (such as to relocate to a safer place, make other necessary safety improvements, emergency medical and dental care, and crime scene clean up). Payment for immediate needs is capped at $5,000. A separate payment to assist with funeral costs is capped at $9,500
- financial assistance for economic loss as a direct result of the crime (such as lost earnings, loss or damage to personal items, justice related expenses, ongoing medical and dental care and out of pocket expenses). Payment for economic loss is capped at $30,000
- recognition payments acknowledge that you have been a victim of a violent offence. Payments are based on the offence, and range from $1500 (for attempted sexual assault, sexual touching, robbery involving violence, and assault) to $15,000 (for spouses and under 18 children of homicide victims)
- counselling by a professional counsellor.
For more information, contact the Victims Access Line on 1800 633 063. You can also go to the Victims Services website, which has a detailed guide to the scheme.