Victims Support Scheme

What is the Victims Support Scheme? 

The Victims Support Scheme provides counselling, financial assistance and a recognition payment to victims of an act of violence or act of modern slavery.  

Who can apply? 

Anyone who has been injured due to an act of violence or an act of modern slavery that has occurred in NSW can apply.

Eligibility criteria and time frames apply, and the type of support available will depend on an individual’s situation.  

Some people are not eligible for support, even if they are a victim of crime. For more information on persons who are not eligible, see section 25 of the Victims Rights and Support Act 2013. 

There are also circumstances where support may be declined or the amount reduced. For more information on those circumstances, see section 44 of the Victims Rights and Support Act 2013.  

To learn more, visit Eligibility criteria.  

What support is available? 

The Victims Support Scheme provides: 

• Counselling to help you recover from the psychological and emotional impacts of a crime. 
  
• Financial assistance for immediate needs to help cover urgent health, safety or security expenses resulting from violent crime or modern slavery.  
  
• Financial assistance for economic loss to cover other expenses resulting from a violent crime or from modern slavery.  
  
• Assistance to pay for funeral expenses  on behalf of family members of a homicide victim. 
  
• A recognition payment to acknowledge that you have been the victim of a violent crime or modern slavery.  
  

How do I apply for support?  

To apply for victims support, you will need to submit an application form and provide a copy of your current government-issued identification.  

Depending on the type of support you’re applying for, you may also need to supply extra information and documents to us. You can learn more about what you will need to provide on the webpage for each support type. To learn more about how to apply for support, visit Make an application. 

Who can I ask for help?  

If you have any questions, please call our free and confidential Victims Access Line on 1800 633 063 or the Aboriginal Contact Line on 1800 019 123 (Mon – Fri, 9am-5pm) or email us at vs@dcj.nsw.gov.au.  

A support worker, friend or family member may also be able to assist you.  

Want more information? 

All victims of crime can get free and confidential information, advice and referrals. Contact our Victims Access Line or Aboriginal Contact Line, or visit Information for victims of crime in NSW.