A victim of a violent crime may apply for compensation to the Victims Compensation Tribunal. People who suffered an injury as a result of actually witnessing the violent crime may also seek compensation.
There does not need to be an arrest or a conviction for an award of compensation to be made. However, it is advisable to report the crime to the police and give reasonable assistance in the investigation of the crime.

An application for compensation must be lodged within two years from when the crime occurred.

Compensation can include payment for financial loss and for personal harm. Under current legislation minor injuries such as cuts or bruising will not be compensated – the injury must be specified in Schedule 1 of the Victims Support and Rehabilitation Act 1996. The total amount of compensation for injuries must equal or be greater than $7,500.

Compensation may also be available to family members (as defined in legislation) whose family member has died as a result of a violent crime.

More information on Victims Compensation