The Victims Assistance Program provides assistance to victims of violent crime against the person. The program aims to assist victims to effectively manage and recover from the effects of crime. The crime needs to have occurred in the state of Victoria.
The program also supports both witness and affected family members of victims of a violent crime, including family members of people who have died as a result of an act of violence.
The Victims Assistance Program have Koori Engagement Workers who can assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander victims of crime in a culturally appropriate way.
The Victims Assistance Program supports people who have been affected by crime such as:
- Homicide
- Family violence
- Sexual assault
- Robbery
- Culpable driving (causing the death of a person)
- Respond to people identifying as male, who are survivors of family violence
We tailor our service to meet the needs of each person but can assist with:
- Emergency home security and safety planning;
- Communicating with police and making a statement to police;
- Arranging counselling, transport and medical services;
- Referrals to other services including legal advice;
- Getting ready for court;
- Preparing a Victim Impact Statement;
- Get help applying for compensation and financial assistance;
- Getting information about the offender.
This free service is open to people living in the Loddon Mallee area of Victoria. Appointment can be made in the Anglicare Victoria offices in Bendigo, Kyneton, Maryborough, Castlemaine, Echuca, Swan Hill or Mildura. The service is also co-located with Victoria Police at Bendigo, Echuca, Kyneton, Castlemaine, Swan Hill and Mildura Police Stations.
How to Access the Victims Assistance Program
The Victims of Crime Helpline | 1800 819 817 or 0427 767 891 | Open daily from 8am-11pm
Anglicare Victoria’s Bendigo office | 03 5440 1100 or 1800 244 323, or email VAP@anglicarevic.org.au
For more information please visit victimsofcrime.vic.gov.au
Privacy Statement for Victims Assistance Program
Anglicare Victoria, on behalf of the Department of Justice and Community Safety, collects personal information for the purpose of providing support to victims of crime. Your information is kept confidential in accordance with privacy laws. Without this information we may be unable to provide you with the adequate support you may require, for example referrals to appropriate programs or support services. Personal information may also be disclosed to other organisations under the Victims Assistance Program, the Victims of Crime Helpline and Information Sharing Entities under the Family Violence Information Sharing Scheme and the Child Information Sharing Scheme. You can find out more about the Information Sharing Entities, including a list of Information Sharing Entities, on the information sharing and MARAM reforms website. You are able to request access to the personal information that we hold about you, and to request that it be corrected. If you have any queries or concerns, please contact Anglicare Victoria’s Bendigo office at 03 54401100 or 1800 244 323, or email VAP@anglicarevic.org.au. The Department respects individuals’ right to privacy. You can find out more on the Department’s website.