What is the Victims of Crime Financial Assistance Scheme?
The Victims of Crime Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS) is replacing the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal (VOCAT) and will provide victims of crime with financial assistance to help them recover from violent crime. The FAS will help with costs that arise from being a victim of a violent act, such as counselling, medical expenses, loss of earnings and other expenses that help a victim recover.
Who is the scheme for?
The scheme is open to people of all ages (including children) who have been injured by a violent crime in Victoria. This can be a mental or physical injury, or both. This also includes trauma. The crime must have been reported to the police (unless there are special circumstances for not reporting to police) and the offender does not need to have been charged or convicted of the crime.
When do I need to apply?
Adults must apply within 10 years from sexual offence or family violence or 3 years from other violent crimes. There is no time limit for children if the violent crime involves family violence or child abuse. For all other crimes, a child must apply within 3 years of turning 18.
How are victims defined?
Victims may be primary, secondary or related.
You are a primary victim if:
- the crime was committed against you, or
- you are a child who saw, heard or were exposed to the crime, or
- you were injured trying to:
- rescue another victim
- stop a violent crime
- arrest someone who committed a violent crime.
You are a secondary victim if:
- you witnessed the crime, or
- you are injured because you are the parent or guardian of a child who was the victim of a violent crime.
You are a related victim if:
- you are a close family member of a loved one who passed away because of a violent crime, or
- you are a dependent of a loved one who passed away because of a violent crime, or
- you were in an intimate personal relationship with a loved one who passed away because of a violent crime.
What offences does the scheme cover?
The scheme covers the following types of offences:
- homicide
- assault
- rape
- threats to kill
- robbery
- recklessly causing injury
- culpable driving
- sexual offences
- image-based sexual offences
- stalking
- kidnapping
- home invasion.
What additional support is available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people?
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander victims of crime will be able to choose to make an application through the FAS general pathway or the FAS specialist Aboriginal Support Pathway.
The FAS Aboriginal Support Pathway includes:
- a dedicated Helpline reflecting voice and experience that is unique to the pathway
- Aboriginal Support Team staff to assist victims through the application process
- support from Aboriginal Support Team staff for victims to complete a Cultural Support Plan
- applications being considered by Aboriginal Support Team staff if an applicant chooses to use the pathway.
What if a victim is unable to complete their own application? (Including children?)
A victim can authorise someone (for example, a lawyer, family member or friend) to apply to the FAS on their behalf. An Authorised Representative can also be appointed through a legal arrangement (such as a guardianship order or power of attorney).
A member of an ACCO (such as VACCA) can be nominated by an Aboriginal victim as an Authorised Representative. The usual appointment requirements will still apply. The Authorised Representative will need to show evidence of their authority to act on behalf of the victim, whether that is through a legal arrangement or with the consent of the victim.
If the victim is a child under 18 years old, and a designated ACCO has been authorised under section 18 of the Children, Youth and Families Act (2005), the ACCO can be an Authorised Representative for the child victim and make an application on their behalf. An ACCO can also be an Authorised Representative for a child if their parent or legal guardian gives consent.
More information
To find out more and apply, go to the Victims of Crime Financial Assistance Scheme website.
If you are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and want to speak with someone about your experience as a victim of crime, you can contact Yarning Safe’n’Strong on 1800 959 563 or 13YARN on 13 92 76.