ACT Government

Victim Support ACT is a service that can help victims of crime to cope with the crime, and to help them to access their rights and entitlements. Victim Support ACT includes two main services: The Victims Services Scheme (VSS) provides support, counselling and other services. The Justice Advocacy Unit (JAU) will help you with information, advocacy and assistance with the criminal justice system, your rights and entitlements.

The Sentence Administration Board of the Australian Capital Territory maintains the ACT Victims Register.
Contact details:
The Victim Liaison Officer, ACT Sentence Administration Board, GPO Box 158,Canberra ACT 2601
Phone: (02) 6207 0744 Fax: (02) 6207 5246 Email: victims.register@act.gov.au

The Sentence Administration Board has also produced an ACT Victims of Crime Information Package which is available online.

The Australian Federal Police has information for victims of crime on the Australian Federal Police website. The website also has brochures available to download about how to prepare a victim impact statement, in English, Arabic, Chinese, Greek, Italian and Spanish. Also available is information on obtaining financial assistance if you are a victim of crime.
For urgent Police assistance victims or potential victims should call 000 or the Police Attendance Line on 131 444. For other matters victims should contact the VLO office on (02) 6245 7441.

The Office of the Victims of Crime Coordinator (VoCC) acts as a form of ombudsman under the ACT Victims of Crime Act 1994. The VoCC is also able to provide direct assistance and to act as an advocate for victims. You can call the Office of the VoCC on (02) 6217 4431 or 6217 4381 or email robyn.holder@act.gov.au

Legal Assistance

The Law Society of the Australian Capital Territory The Law Society operates a Legal Advice Bureau between 12.30pm and 2pm Monday to Friday (Wednesday reserved for family law issues). To make an appointment for a free 15 minute consultation call the Law Society on 6247 5700. Email: mail@lawsocact.asn.au

Legal Aid ACT If you have any general inquiries about Legal Aid ACT services please call (02) 6243 3411. Legal Aid ACT also operates a Telephone Advice and Information Line providing legal information and advice on a wide range of legal matters. You can call the Telephone Advice and Information Line on 1300 654 314 from 9am to 4pm weekdays.

ACT Community Legal Centres Community Legal Centres are independent community organisations providing free legal services including advice and information. Most Centres provide face-to-face legal advice as well as information over the phone. Many Centres hold daytime and evening interview and advice sessions.

Women's Legal Centre (ACT and Region) provides legal advice to women on a wide range of issues including domestic violence, going to court and criminal injuires compensation. The centre offers free confidential telephone advice Monday to Friday 9.30am to 12.00 noon. Phone (02) 6257 4499 or 1800 634 669 (outside Canberra). In most cases initial advice can be given by telephone and if necessary an appointment to see a lawyer is then made.

ACT Disability Discrimination Legal Service can be contacted by phoning 02 6247 2018.

Other Assistance

Canberra Rape Crisis Centre provides free sexual assault counselling, crissi support, advocacy, counselling, education and runs support groups. The Centre operates a 24 hour crisis/support line on (02) 6247 2525 or email crcc@rapecrisis.org.au.

Victims of Crime Assistance League (ACT) Incorporated (VOCAL) provides practical assistance, emotional support, counselling and help with applying for compensation. VOCAL can be contacted on (02) 6295 9600 or email vocalact@cyberone.com.au