A number of agencies provide specialised support for victims of crime and their families and some of these are described below. These agencies are community based and are not a part of the Attorney General's Department or Victims Services. The descriptions below have been provided by the agencies themselves.
Click here for general information for victims of crime
Victims of Crime Assistance League (VOCAL) NSW
VOCAL NSW is a registered charity formed in 1989 by victims after the crime of homicide, for victims of crime. Today, Its role is centred on what victims and others affected by any crime, particularly violent crime, may need to know and may experience in any process, system, service or life situation that arises. Dedicated volunteers, usually with life experience of life as crime victims, operate the service through a committee.
VOCAL Inc NSW offers a free, personal, needs-based service designed to link victims of any sort of crime with community services where they exist, to inform about how processes may operate, to support and assist where the client is undergoing those processes, to inform and facilitate an effective victims' complaints process where clients are dissatisfied with outcomes, and to lobby government and agencies where the need is identified.
VOCAL is involved in educating the community about issues affecting victims of crime and can supply interesting speakers to community groups, school and other agencies.
The NSW government, through the Victims Services portfolio, partially funds a victim support centre in the Hunter Region of NSW. The centre operates within the charity's focus, providing a drop-in facility, support by telephone, an on-line support service and outreach. Anyone affected by crime may seek support.
Contact VOCAL at www.vocal.org.au
| Telephone: | (02) 4926 5826 |
| Facsimile: | (02) 4926 5866 |
Enough is Enough
Enough is Enough is a long term anti-violence project based on personal responsibility and reform by education. The project achieves its objectives by:
- conducting education and awareness campaigns and seminars at schools and in the local community;
- providing referrals to appropriate services for victims of all types of crime; and
- co-ordinating working parties on specific issues eg victim support, crime prevention and law reform.
It also has the VISTA + E Support Group and educational services for those suffering from road accident loss and trauma.
For further information on Enough is Enough contact Ken Marslew, President, Enough is Enough:
| Telephone: | (02) 9542 4029 |
| Facsimile: | (02) 9542 7009 |
| Mobile: | 041 846 1199 |
| Postal Address: | PO BOX 24, JANNALI NSW 2226 |
| Street Address: | Level 1, 4 Gray Street, SUTHERLAND NSW 2232 |
| Email: | team@enoughisenough.org.au |
Homicide Victims' Support Group
The Homicide Victims' Support Group is a support group for families who have lost a family member through homicide. The Homicide Victims' Support Group is run by paid staff and volunteers who can put people in contact with someone who has been through a similar experience or simply to have a chat.
To contact the Homicide Victims' Support Group:
Mission Australia
Mission Australia provides a free court support and information service to all victims of crime. They can provide support at the Local, District, Supreme and Coroners courts. The court support includes:
- information on your rights as a victim
- assistance if you need an interpreter
- preparation for the court environment and the emotions you are likely to experience
- a court support worker assisting you right through your time in court
Phone Mission Australia Court Support and Information on (02) 8218 9412.
