Legal help after a crime

Being affected by crime can create legal questions as well as practical and emotional difficulties. Southport Community Legal Service can help Victorian residents understand options for victims' financial assistance and related legal support. You can contact us whether the crime happened in Victoria or another Australian state or territory.

We can explain an application process, discuss documents or consider a referral. The assistance we can provide depends on the matter and our resources. You do not need to include a detailed account of what happened in your first email.

Questions we can discuss

• Which victims' assistance scheme may apply.
• Questions about eligibility, application requirements and time limits.
• Requests for information and supporting documents.
• Understanding a decision or possible review option.
• Existing Victorian VOCAT applications or awards.
• Finding counselling, practical support or specialist legal assistance.

How we may help

• Explain the relevant scheme and possible next steps.
• Discuss what evidence may be needed.
• Assess help with an application or a particular legal task.
• Consider ongoing casework where suitable and resources allow.
• Refer you to an appropriate service, including in another state or territory.

If the crime happened in Victoria

Victoria's Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS) provides assistance to eligible victims of violent crime. It may help with recovery-related costs such as counselling, medical expenses and some loss of earnings. Eligibility and the available assistance depend on the legal requirements and your circumstances.

The FAS requires the relevant violent act to have occurred in Victoria. It is a government assistance scheme, with its own application and evidence rules. It is separate from suing an offender for personal injury damages.

Existing VOCAT matters

The FAS has replaced VOCAT for new applications. Pending VOCAT applications and existing awards have particular arrangements. Tell us about any earlier application, decision or award before making a new application or seeking a change.

If you live in Victoria and the crime happened interstate

You can contact us for initial assistance even if the crime happened in another Australian state or territory. We can help identify the relevant scheme, discuss its requirements and assess whether we can assist with an application or refer you to an appropriate service.

• Location matters: the place where the crime occurred is important in deciding which scheme applies.
• Rules differ: eligibility, deadlines, evidence and available assistance must be checked under the relevant state or territory's scheme.
• Victorian FAS: living in Victoria does not, by itself, make an interstate crime eligible for Victoria's FAS.

Safety and intervention orders

If anyone is in immediate danger, call 000.

If you have concerns about your safety, these pages explain family violence, personal safety intervention orders and the introductory assistance we may offer:

• Personal safety intervention orders concern protection from someone who is not a family member.
• Family violence and family violence intervention orders concern safety and protection involving a family member.

Intervention orders and victims' financial assistance are separate processes. An intervention order does not itself guarantee eligibility for financial assistance or a payment. We assess any advice, referral or further assistance individually, according to the matter and our available resources.

Taking the next step

Ask for advice early because application and review time limits can apply. If you are unsure about reporting requirements, an older incident or a previous application, discuss this with us so the relevant rules can be checked. We can also discuss a referral for practical or counselling support alongside legal assistance.

What level of assistance can we offer?

We assess each matter individually, taking account of its suitability and our available resources. An enquiry or appointment does not guarantee ongoing assistance or representation.

Advice

Basic initial advice to help you understand the issue and consider your next steps.

Referral

Information about another legal or support service when specialist help is needed or we cannot assist.

Further assistance

A specific legal task or ongoing casework may be available, decided case by case and subject to resources.

What we do not do

• Commercial or business matters.
• Conveyancing, real-estate transactions and property ownership disputes.
• Personal injury claims or WorkCover matters.

We do not investigate crimes, prosecute offenders or provide counselling. We cannot guarantee eligibility, approval or any payment amount. Help with a victims' assistance application does not mean we have agreed to conduct a personal injury damages claim or take over every part of your matter.

Prepare for your appointment

• Bring relevant letters, application records, decisions and receipts or reports you already have.
• Tell us which state or territory the crime happened in and about any approaching deadline.
• Let us know if you need help communicating or have concerns about receiving messages safely.

Talk to us

Contact Southport Community Legal Service to discuss an appointment.

Request an appointment

Call 03 9646 6066, 0490 934 661 or 0440 131 920.
Email [email protected].

Further information

• Victims of Crime Victoria: about the Financial Assistance Scheme
• Victorian FAS guidelines: where the violent act occurred
• Victims of Crime Victoria: VOCAT applications and awards
• NSW Government: victims' services across states and territories

This page provides general information. Ask for advice about your own circumstances. Information reviewed September 2026.