Victim Support Update

Introduction

On 2 December 2021, the Minister for Victim Support, the Hon. Natalie Hutchins MP, released the Victim Support Update to provide victims of crime and the community with an update on the latest innovations within the Victim Support portfolio.

This document highlights key achievements in recent years and outlines the government’s commitments to improve the service system for victims of crime.

How to access support

If you have been a victim of crime and require information or support, you can contact the Victims of Crime Helpline on 1800 819 817 or by texting 0427 767 891 from 8am to 11pm, seven days per week.

If you would like to apply to receive updates about offenders who have been sentenced to prison, you can complete an application form online at victimsofcrime.vic.gov.au.

If you believe an organisation or agency has not complied with their obligations under the Victims’ Charter and would like to make a complaint, you can contact the Victims of Crime Commissioner on 1800 010 017 or via email at enquiries@vocc.vic.gov.au.

Language used in the Victim Support Update

In Victoria, the term ‘victim’ is used in legislation, for example in the Victims’ Charter, to describe someone who has experienced crime. The term ‘victim’ has been used in this document for that reason. However, we acknowledge that the term ‘victim’ is sometimes used interchangeably with the terms ‘victim-survivor’ or ‘survivor’. The term ‘survivor’ reflects the resilience and strength of people who have survived an experience of crime, and the term ‘victim’ may not resonate with everyone. In using the term ‘victim’, the government is in no way intending to diminish the strength, identity or diversity of people who have experienced crime or other forms of harm.

In addition, the phrase ‘recovery’ is often used when referring to victim support services, including in the literature on victimisation and trauma. We acknowledge that the term ‘recovery’ may not resonate with all victims. Many victims of crime never ‘recover’, instead they try to live as best they can with its impacts. We have minimised the use of the word ‘recovery’ throughout this document to reflect this specific feedback from victims. However, the word ‘recovery’ remains in some places to emphasise the impact that improvements can have on victims in managing the effects of crime.