Have you or someone you know been the victim of a crime?
Becoming the victim of a crime can be a confronting experience but you don't have to deal with it alone.
There are services and programs for everyone. This includes people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with disabilities and young people.
Click on 'Who are you?' to see the range of services available to you.
Go on an online Courtroom Tour
Take an interactive look around a real Victorian Court and familiarise yourself with what you might expect.
Child Witness Service
This section is for child and adolescent witnesses.
Resources Toolbox
Not sure what something means? Want to find out what someone does in court? Check out our toolbox to find out more.
This site is designed to guide you through the justice system. It will tell you about keeping safe, your rights and entitlements and who can help you along the way.
Crime often affects more than just the direct victim, with witnesses to a crime and family members of a person also affected.
If you are a witness in a criminal proceeding and you are under 18, you can go to the Child Witness Service site. This site will tell you about court process and the role of being witness. There is information about the support for young witnesses and practical information for parents.
Going to Police
When you report a crime to police, the information that you provide may assist police to find the offender. You are not only helping yourself, but you may also prevent another person becoming a victim.
If you are worried about reporting the crime to police and do not know what to do, you can talk to someone at the Victims of Crime Helpline. This is a free and confidential service and you don’t even have to give your name if you’d rather not.
What happens now?
You may be worried about your safety, especially if the person who committed the crime is someone you know and you might want to think about applying for an intervention order. If you have been injured, you might also be able to claim compensation or other assistance.
Will you need to go to court?
Take an interactive look around a real Victorian court and familiarise yourself with what you might expect.
Watch the Introduction video for an overview of what you will find on this website.
Need help now?
In an emergency, call '000' or your local police station. Otherwise there are specialist victim support services available to help you. Go to 'Get Help' to find the service best suited to your needs or call the free and confidential Victims of Crime Helpline on 1800 819 817. The Helpline operates from 8am to 11pm from Mondays to Fridays.