Victims of crime are to have greater access to financial and emotional support under new legislation to help them deal with the lasting impacts of their experiences.
Introducing the changes, Minister for Victim Support, Natalie Hutchins said the reforms would stop perpetrators of family violence and sexual offences being notified of an application to, or attending hearings at, the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal (VOCAT).
“Victim survivors no longer need to be fearful of the perpetrator finding out that they have made an application for financial assistance, or worse, having to face them in a hearing,” Ms Hutchins said.
She said this was an interim step in the Government’s overhaul of victims of crime financial assistance, which would see a new trauma-informed financial assistance scheme built that was not based in the courts.
Ms Hutchins said the new scheme would be supported by a dedicated Victims Legal Service and a new innovative Victim-Centred Restorative Justice Program.
“We’re listening to victims of crime and making sure their voices are at the centre of our work, with reforms that empower victims of crime to exercise their rights to participate in decisions and processes that affect them,” she said.
“Ensuring victims are better supported to find justice, access financial help and legal advice as they deal with the impacts of crime and navigate the court system are at the heart of these important reforms.”
The Minister also announced the release of the Department of Justice and Community Safety’s latest Victims Support Update, which highlighted achievements to date and outlined how the State planned to become a leader in trauma-informed victim support.
The Department’s 43-page Victim Support Update can be accessed at this PS News link.
