The principles that inform what we do

The principles that inform what we do

The principles that govern our response to victims of crime are enshrined in the Victims’ Charter Act 2015 (the Victims’ Charter). The Victims’ Charter aims to reduce the likelihood of victims and their families being further traumatised by the criminal justice system. It recognises the impact of crime on victims, their families and the broader community. The Victims’ Charter acknowledges that victims of crime are participants in the criminal justice process and should be engaged with and treated with respect.

The following sections outline the vision that is driving the government’s reform agenda. It also includes a summary of our key achievements over recent years, and the actions we are taking to reform the service system to enable better outcomes for victims of crime.

Strategic Vision

An innovative and integrated victim support service system that is responsive and empowers victims.

Guiding principle: Victim Centred

We have

  • Delivered a suite of victim support services, including the Victims of Crime Helpline, the Victims Assistance Program and the Victims Register
  • Independently reviewed the victim support system to inform changes

We will

  • Deliver a new Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS) for victims of crime
  • Deliver a new Victims Legal Service for FAS applicants and victims seeking restitution and compensation orders
  • Significantly reduce the backlog at the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal (VOCAT)

Guiding principle: Accountable

We have

We will

  • Implement a Victim Support Outcomes Framework, to underpin service design and delivery, ongoing monitoring and continuous improvement
  • Promote the availability of the Victims Register

Guiding principle: Innovative

We have

  • Established a Victim Support Workforce Capability Framework
  • Continued to provide specialist and rapid support following critical incidents

We will

  • Establish a new Victim-Centred Restorative Justice Program
  • Deliver the Virtual Court Support Program

Guiding principle: Culturally safe, accessible and inclusive

We have

  • Recruited a Cultural Safety Practice Lead and additional Koori Engagement Workers
  • Established the Intermediary Program following a successful pilot
  • Introduced Kiki the Court Support Dog to provide support to child witnesses

We will

  • Deliver an Aboriginal Victims of Crime Strategy
  • Seek Rainbow Tick accreditation to meet the needs of LGBTIQA+ victims

Updated

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