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Counselling for Victims of Crime: Service Providers

While it is important to seek help from family and friends when you are distressed, sometimes further help is needed. Professional counselling can provide an opportunity for you to speak more freely about your concerns in a confidential setting.

Counselling can help you to manage the effects of crime on your life. A trained professional can help you to resolve some of the personal, social or psychological issues that may arise and help you to feel more in charge of your life.

Access to short-term counselling is available through the Victims Assistance and Counselling Program.

In addition to counselling, the program also provides ongoing practical support, outreach services, court support, referral and coordination of specialist support groups.

Service providers

Contact details of Victims Assistance and Counselling Program service providers in each Victorian region:

Metropolitan

Eastern
Tel: 1300 884 284

Northern
Tel: 03 9355 9900

Western
Tel: 03 8398 4178

Southern
Tel: 03 9705 3200

Barwon South West

Geelong
Tel: 03 5278 8122

Warrnambool
Tel: 03 5561 8888

Gippsland

Morwell, Warragul and Bairnsdale
Tel: 1800 777 423

Grampians

Ballarat
Tel: 03 5309 1900 or 1800 660 556

Horsham
Tel: 03 5382 6789

Hume

Shepparton
Tel: 03 5831 6967

Wodonga
Tel: 02 6056 6282

Wangaratta
Tel: 03 5723 2038

Loddon Mallee

Bendigo
Tel: 1800 620 542

Mildura
Tel: 03 5022 5400

Who does this apply to?	- Victims of crime - Parents or guardians of a child who is a victim of a violent crime - Family members of victims of homicide
Who provides this service?	Victims Support Agency
Who is eligible?	- A primary victim of a violent crime which occurred in Victoria within the past 2 years and which has been reported to the police. - A related victim in the case of a homicide which occurred in Victoria within the past 2 years and which as been reported to the police - A victim of domestic violence who has been granted an intervention order by a Victorian Court within the past 2 years.
What are the costs, if any?	If you require ongoing counselling, you can make an application to the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal who can cover the costs of further counselling. Victims of Crime Helpline staff and Victims Assistance and Counselling Program workers can help you to prepare your application.
What are the key dates or times?	The Victims of Crime Helpline operates from 8:00am until 11:00pm, Monday to Friday (except public holidays).