2013-05-03 ... Participants sought for online survey regarding "Victim Participation in NSW Court Processes"
2012-11-23 ... Victims Compensation Tribunal Chairperson's Report 2011-2012 released
2012-11-12 ... Nationwide Royal Commission into sexual abuse of children in institutions announced
2012-11-09 ... NSW Special Commission of Inquiry concerning the investigation of certain child sexual abuse allegations in the Hunter Region
2012-10-18 ... Justice Journey Video released - available online and on DVD.
2012-05-16 ... Victims Services is inviting researchers to submit research project proposals
2012-05-15 ... Victims Services Roadshow visiting Tamworth, Armidale, Moree May 2012
2012-03-26 ... PriceWaterhouseCoopers review of Victims Compensation Scheme
2012-03-15 ... Victim Support Australia and University of Melbourne seeking victims of crime to participate in survey
2012-03-12 ... Macquarie University seeking victims of crime to participate in study on anger after traumatic event
2012-02-08 ... Victims of Crime Clearinghouse - website launched
2011-12-06 ... Macquarie University seeking victims of crime to participate in study on effects of stressful events
2011-12-01 ... Released: Victims Compensation Tribunal chairperson's report
2011-11-15 ... Released: Resources for victims and the media
2011-11-10 ... Victim Support Australia & University of Melbourne seeking victims of crime for survey
2011-10-08 ... Victims Services seeking victims of crime to participate in an online survey of their financial needs
2011-09-08 ... Online Application for Compensation, Counselling and Expenses updated
2011-06-23 ... Invitation to attend a compensation users forum on 27 July 2011 in Parramatta
2011-04-01 ... Invitation to attend one of a series of Victims Services Forums to be held in regional areas
2011-01-16 ... Invitation to attend a compensation users forum on 27 April 2011 in Parramatta
2011-01-02 ... Call for abstracts - Meeting the Needs of Victims of Crime Conference (Sydney 18-19 May 2011)
2011-01-01 ... Amendments to the Victims Support and Rehabilitation Act 1996
2010-12-07 ... Amendments to the Victims Rights Act 1996, including the Charter of Victims Rights
2010-12-01 ... University of Sydney looking for victims of crime to particpate in survey
2010-11-16 ... Justice Journey booklet and information sheets released. Download | Order hardcopies
2010-11-12 ... Conference 18th & 19th May, 2011 - Meeting the needs of victims of crime
2010-10-26 ... Making a Victims Rights complaint
2010-10-26 ... Victims of violent crimes - grants program 2010/11
2010-10-01 ... Chairperson's Report Victims Compensation Tribunal 2009/2010 (pdf 1.5MB)
2010-08-18 ... New 'walk-in' service launched at the Parramatta Justice Precinct
2010-08-02 ... Online form now available for family members of homicide victims
2010-06-29 ... Victims Services DX closed from 1st July 2010
2010-05-01 ... Victims Compensation Tribunal Chairperson's Report
2010-04-23 ... Victims Access Line
2010-03-15 ... Victim Impact Statement Research Study
2010-02-23 ... Revised Sentencing Information Package is now available.
2009-12-12 ... Updated Victims Services website incorporates Justice Journey
2009-08-01 ... Review of the Rights of Victims of Crime in NSW
2009-03-28 ... Approved Counsellors Conference
2008-04-30 ... Law week Victims Compensation Question & Answer forum for Legal Practitioners

2013-05-03 ... Participants sought for online survey regarding "Victim Participation in NSW Court Processes"

An online survey being conducted by the Univeristy of NSW on "Victim participation in NSW court processes".
The survey's aim is to increase understanding of victim experiences’ with the NSW criminal justice system and identify how service delivery can be improved in NSW to better assist victims of crime.
To complete the survey please click on the following link http://www.surveys.unsw.edu.au/survey/157049/9ce3/

2012-11-23 ... Victims Compensation Tribunal Chairperson's Report released.

Victims Compensation Tribunal Chairperson's Report 2011-2012 (PDF 375KB) released.

2012-11-12 ... Nationwide Royal Commission into sexual abuse of children in institutions announced.

On 12 November 2012, Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced a nationwide Royal Commission into the sexual abuse of children in institutions.

The Prime Minister has stated that she hopes the Terms of Reference will be developed and the appointment of a Royal Commissioner or Commissioners will be announced by the end of the year.

More information is available from the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. If you would like your details passed onto the royal commission, leave your email or postal address by phone on 1800 099 340 or by email to royalcommissionsecretariat@pmc.gov.au

If you have been affected or would like information, referrals and support about sexual abuse please refer to Information and support for people affected (PDF 143KB) or visit website Help for victims of Sexual Assault

2012-11-09 ... NSW Special Commission of Inquiry concerning investigation of certain child sexual abuse allegations in Hunter Region.

On 9 November 2012, NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell announced the appointment of a Special Commission of Inquiry concerning the investigation of certain child sexual abuse allegations in the Hunter region. Victims Services can assist you with counselling and support before you make a submission or statement to the Inquiry, and throughout the Hearing. Call the Victims Access Line for more information.
More:
Premier's announcement (PDF)
Special Commission website
Assistance in preparing a submission (PDF 186KB)
Information and support for persons attending (PDF 148KB)
Information and support for persons affected (PDF 143KB)


2012-10-18 ... Justice Journey Video released - available online and on DVD.

The Justice Journey DVD, providing information for victims of crime about going to court in NSW, is now available through our Publications section or you can watch it online.


2012-05-16 ... Victims Services is inviting researchers to submit research project proposals.

Victims Services is inviting researchers to submit research project proposals to the Victims of Crime Reseach Fund. Tender will remain open until 5 June 2012. More information at NSW Government E-tender website.


2012-05-15 ... Victims Services Roadshow visiting Tamworth, Armidale, Moree May 2012

Victims Services is visiting Tamworth, Armidale and Moree in the week commencing 21 May 2012 to hold info sessions, meet the community & local services, and host professional development.


2012-03-26 ... PriceWaterhouseCoopers review of Victims Compensation Scheme

PricewaterhouseCoopers are undertaking a Review of the Victims Compensation Scheme. Attached is the Issues Paper for anyone interested in providing submissions.

Victim Support Australia & University of Melbourne looking for victims of crime to participate in a survey.


2012-03-12 ... Macquarie University seeking victims of crime to participate in study on anger after traumatic event

Macquarie University looking for victims of crime to participate in a study on experiencing anger after a traumatic event (pdf)


2012-02-08 ... Victims of Crime Clearinghouse - website launched

Victims of Crime Clearinghouse - Australia's most comprehensive website for information about the needs of victims of crime is launched. Media Release (doc) | website: www.victimsclearinghouse.nsw.gov.au


2011-12-06 ... Macquarie University seeking victims of crime to participate in study on effects of stressful events

Macquarie University looking for victims of crime to participate in a study on changes following stressful events (pdf).


2011-12-01 ... Released: Victims Compensation Tribunal chairperson's report

Victims Services has released Victims Compensation Tribunal Chairperson's Report 2010/2011.


2011-11-15 ... Released: Resources for victims and the media

Victims Services has released the following:
For victims and family: Guide to the media for victims of crime (pdf).
For the media: Respectful Reporting: Victims of Violent Crime Media Strategy 2011-2012 (pdf),
Victims Support Contacts card (pdf).


2011-11-10 ... Victim Support Australia & University of Melbourne seeking victims of crime for survey

Victim Support Australia & University of Melbourne looking for victims of crime to participate in a survey.


2011-10-08 ... Victims Services seeking victims of crime in NSW to participate in an online survey of their financial needs

Victims Services is seeking victims of crime in NSW to participate in an online survey on their financial needs. Completing the survey will help us improve how we provide financial support to victims of crime.


2011-09-08 ... Online Application updated

Victims Services' Online Application for Compensation, Counselling and Expenses has been updated (now version 4.5). Users should ensure that the latest form is always downloaded from this website.


2011-06-23 ... Invitation to attend a compensation users forum on 27 July 2011 in Parramatta

Invitation to attend a compensation users forum on 27 July 2011 in Parramatta (pdf)


2011-04-01 ... Invitation to attend one of a series of forums in regional areas

Invitation to attend one of a series of Victims Services Forums to be held in regional areas (pdf)


2011-01-16 ... Invitation to attend a compensation users forum on 27 April 2011 in Parramatta

Invitation to attend a compensation users forum on 27 April 2011 in Parramatta (pdf)


2011-01-02 ... Call for Abstracts: Meeting the Needs of Victims of Crime Conference

Call for abstracts: Meeting the Needs of Victims of Crime Conference (Sydney 18-19 May 2011), hosted by the Australian Institute of Criminology and the NSW Department of Justice and Attorney General.
If you are interested in providing an abstract for the conference please refer to the AIC conference website for more information.
Abstracts must be submitted by 5.00 pm Friday, 25 February 2011


2011-01-01 ... Amendments to the Victims Support and Rehabilitation Act 1996

Amendments to the Victims Support and Rehabilitation Act 1996 will commence on 1 January 2011.
See Guide to Changes - Victims Support Support and Rehabilitation Act 1996 (pdf) | Factsheet (pdf) | FAQ (pdf)


2010-12-07 ... Amendments to the Victims Rights Act 1996, including the Charter of Victims Rights

Amendments to the Victims Rights Act 1996, including the Charter of Victims Rights.
The Courts and Crimes Legislation Further Amendment Act 2010 was assented to on 7 December 2010.
See Guide to Changes - Victims Rights Act 1996 (pdf) | Victims Rights summary | Legislation


2010-12-01 ... University of Sydney looking for victims of crime to participate in survey

Researchers from the University of Sydney are conducting a survey of victims' experiences within the criminal justice system. If you are interested in participating in the survey please read the attached Information and Survey (pdf 81Kb)


2010-11-12 ... Conference 18^th & 19^th May, 2011 - Meeting the needs of victims of crime

Please refer conference flyer for details.

The Charter of Victims Rights sets out seventeen rights which outline how government departments should treat and assist you if you are a victim of crime. Victims Services has a responsibility to receive complaints and to try to resolve them. There is a new process to make a complaint under the Charter.
The Victims Rights > Charter Complaints section of this website explains what you can do if you feel that your rights have not been met, and includes an Information Sheet about making a complaint under the Charter and a Charter of Victims Rights complaint form which will enable Victims Services to better assist you with your complaint.


2010-10-26 ... Victims of violent crimes - grants program 2010/11

Corrective Services NSW is calling for Expressions of Interest from organisations for one-off funding for victims of violent crime projects and resources in 2010/2011. Applications for funding up to $15,000 invited from eligible incorporated, non-profit, non-government, community-based organisations that provide services to victims of violent crime. Responses must be lodged via eTender at https://tenders.nsw.gov.au. The closing date for applications is 5pm Thursday 11 November 2010. Please contact Karina Stuart A/Co-Ordinator, Community Funding Programs for further information on (02) 8346 1004 or via email at karina.stuart@dcs.nsw.gov.au . Refer Application package (doc 300Kb) for more.


2010-08-18 ... New 'walk-in' service launched at the Parramatta Justice Precinct

A new 'Walk In' service has been launched at the Parramatta Justice Precinct, Level 1, 160 Marsden St Parramatta. The service will operate every Wednesday and provides an opportunity for people to access information about the services available to them, their rights as a victim of a crime and information and referral to other agencies. Clients will be offered a consultation and an opportunity to speak confidentially to a Referral and Support worker. If you would like further information about the Walk In Service please don't hesitate to contact Brooke, Referral and Support officer on 1800 633 063. Walk In Information Sheet (pdf 966 Kb). See also our "Contact Us" page


2010-08-02 ... Online form now available for family members of homicide victims

An online form is now also available for persons wishing to apply for compensation or counselling as a family member of a homicide victim, or for persons wishing to claim for the funeral expenses of a homicide victim.


2010-06-29 ... Victims Services DX closed from 1^st July 2010

Victims Services DX will be closed as of 1^st July 2010. Solicitors who use Document Exchange (DX) for delivery of correspondence should instead use the Victims Services postal address.


2010-05-01 ... Victims Compensation Tribunal Chairpersons Report

Chairpersons Report 2008-09 (pdf 205Kb)


2010-04-23 ... Victims Access Line

Victims Access Line (VAL), providing a single entry point for victims of crime in NSW to assist them in accessing services, launched by NSW Attorney General the Hon. John Hatzistergos on 23 April 2010. See the Attorney General's press release (pdf)


2010-03-15 ... Victim Impact Statement Research Study

Victim Impact Statement Research Study is looking for participants. The aim of this research is to gain information from victims of crime who have made, or have decided not to make a Victim Impact Statement and to evaluate this process from the victims’ point of view. The purpose of the research is to pinpoint possible areas of need where victims of crime wishing to make a Victim Impact Statement may be better supported.The research study will be conducted by Fiona Tait under the supervision of the University of Sydney Law School. More information (doc 170Kb)


2010-02-23 ... Revised Sentencing Information Package is now available

Revised Sentencing Information Package is now available


2009-12-12 ... Updated Victims Services website incorporates Justice Journey

Justice Journey is a new section on this website to assist victims of crime to seek help and navigate their way through the justice process. It consolidates information from the former "Courtwise" and "Victims of Crime" websites and also includes new resources and links.


2009-08-01 ... Review of the Rights of Victims of Crime in NSW

Victims of crime as well as the wider community are invited to have their say about the Charter of Victims Rights. If you would like to complete an online survey on victims rights click here . The survey will be available until 4 September 2009.
If you wish to make a written submission please view the Consultation Paper and questions for consideration. Strengthening the Charter of Victims Rights Consultation Paper (pdf 34KB)
Final date for submissions close of business 4 September 2009


2009-03-28 ... Approved Counsellors Conference

On 28 March Victims Services hosted the Approved Counsellors Conference 2009 at Parramatta Justice Offices. Over 80 Approved Counsellors attended from across NSW and interstate. The conference provided Approved Counsellors with the chance to meet Victims Services staff , to network with other counsellors as well as hear from a wide range of speakers. Feedback from delegates was overwhelmingly positive with many comments about the relevance of the topics covered and the benefits of networking .

Professor Richard Bryant who is Scientia Professor of Psychology, University of New South Wales, provided a keynote address that was well received, entitled “Doing the best for assault victims“ that presented a concise overview of recommended psychological interventions for people with PTSD.
Doing the best for assault victims" (Powerpoint 1146Kb)

Robyn Lamb who is co-director of the Child Protection Unit at The Childrens Hospital at Westmead, provided the second keynote. Robyn has had a long and distinguished career in child protection and is an experienced clinician working with children and families. Robyn’s keynote focused on the assessment and treatment of trauma with children and young people and feedback indicated that counsellors found Robyn's overview of a new trauma assessment framework a highly useful tool.
Assessment and Treatment of Trauma in Children and Young people Part 1: Slides 01-36 (Powerpoint 1614Kb)
Assessment and Treatment of Trauma in Children and Young people Part 2: Slides 37-48 (Powerpoint 1618Kb)
Assessment and Treatment of Trauma in Children and Young people Part 3: Slides 49-74 (Powerpoint 1378Kb)

A Panel of Victims Services staff also answered questions submitted by Approved Counsellors and as well 6 workshops were held concurrently during the afternoon sessions. Copies of the workshops and panel presentation are available on request.


2008-04-30 ... Law week Victims Compensation Question & Answer forum for Legal Practitioners