How are Victims of Crime compensated in Victoria?

If you have been hurt or affected by a violent crime in Victoria, there are a few different ways you may be able to receive financial help. This can be in addition to any claim you might make through the courts for damages. The two main ways to get financial support are through the Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS) or through a court‑ordered compensation payment from the offender after they are convicted.

The Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS) is a government program that replaced the old VOCAT system. It was created to make the process easier, faster and more supportive for victims. FAS can help pay for costs that happened because of the crime, such as medical or dental treatment, counselling, lost income, safety expenses like changing locks, and other reasonable costs that help with your recovery. If you are a primary victim, meaning you were directly harmed by the crime you may also be eligible for a Special Financial Assistance payment, which is a recognition payment for what you went through.

Secondary victims, such as people who witnessed the crime or were present at the time, and related victims, such as close family members of someone who died because of the crime, can also receive help with medical treatment, counselling and lost income. In addition, related victims may be eligible for a distress payment, which recognises the emotional impact of losing a loved one. You do not need the offender to be charged or convicted to apply for FAS, but the crime must have been reported to the police unless there is a good reason why it could not be reported. Most applications must be made within three years, although longer time limits apply for family violence, sexual offences and childhood sexual abuse.

Another option is to ask the court to order the offender to pay you compensation. This can only happen if the offender has been convicted of the crime. In this situation, the money comes directly from the offender, not the government, so this option is only useful if the offender has money or assets that can be used to pay the compensation.

If you have been affected by a violent crime, you may be able to receive financial help to support your recovery. The process can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to manage it on your own. Support is available to help you understand your options and guide you through the steps.

Have you been a victim of crime?

Contact Us