Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal (VOCAT)

1. Introduction

There are no legal costs to you. VOCAT pays the legal costs.
VOCAT assistance can be provided even where no person has been charged or found guilty.

2. Who is eligible to claim at VOCAT?

The person against whom the crime was committed (primary victim)
A witness to a crime (secondary victim)
Parent or guardian of a crime victim under 18 years (secondary victim)
A person closely related to a deceased victim (related victim)

To be eligible these people need to have been injured physically or psychologically.

3. What Financial Assistance Can A Primary Victim Seek From VOCAT?

Counselling expenses
Medical expenses
Loss of or damage to clothing worn at the time of the crime
Safety-related expenses
Loss of earnings up to a maximum of $20,000
In exceptional circumstances, other expenses to assist in recovery from the crime
Special financial assistance according to VOCAT's Special Financial Assistance Table

4. What Financial Assistance Can A Secondary Victim Seek From VOCAT?

Counselling expenses
Medical expenses
In exceptional circumstances, loss of earnings up to a maximum of $20,000
In limited circumstances, other expenses to assist in recovery from the crime

5. What Financial Assistance Can A Related Victim Seek From VOCAT?

Distress
Counselling expenses
Medical expenses
Funeral expenses
Loss of money expected from the deceased

VOCAT may award up to $100,000 for all related victims.

The maximum award for any one related victim is $50,000.

6. Other Legal Rights (Apart From VOCAT)

Other legal rights to consider, where appropriate, include:

Insurance (eg private health insurance, income protection insurance, trauma insurance, life and TPD insurance)
Seeking compensation from the offender
Seeking compensation from an organisation responsible for the offender’s conduct
TAC
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