Compensation for Victims of Crime

All states and territories in Australia have compensation schemes for victims of crime. Generally, the relevant schemes focus on either paying monetary compensation to the victim or emphasising support and rehabilitation (the New South Wales victim’s compensation scheme is a notable example of the latter). Levels of compensation vary for each case, but could help to cover medical and psychological expenses as well as provide lump sums as high as $50,000.

The compensation schemes have helped victims of violent attacks, sexual assault and rape and child exploitation. However, there is a time limit on claims, so it pays to get legal advice early (even if you are unsure if you qualify for assistance).

Although the law differs in each part of Australia, some general requirements are that:

• you have sustained an “injury” of some form;
• the injury was caused by some form crime involving violence; and
• the crime occurred within the bounds of a particular Australian state or territory.

You do not need to be resident in a particular state where the injury occurred, allowing visitors to different parts of the country to claim where the injury occurred. The law also makes a distinction between different types of victims. The victim could be the person who suffered the crime personally, somebody who witnessed the crime or a family member of the victim.

A lawyer can be of great assistance as many victims who have a genuine need for financial and emotional help do not want to relive the experience again. A lawyer can help cut through the bureaucratic and legal difficulties and work with you to help get your life back on track.

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