Victims of Crime Assistance (VOCAT) and Sentencing Act claims

If you have suffered loss and injury as a result of an act of violence, you may be entitled to make a claim at the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal.

The Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal must be satisfied that you were a victim of an act of violence within the relevant legislation. The act of violence should be reported to the police. In most cases, a police statement or police brief may need to be sought.

An application for compensation under this scheme must be made within 2 years of the act of violence occurring, although extensions can be granted, (for example, for people who are victims of historical sexual abuse).

We will assist you with gathering relevant supportive evidence including medical information, receipts and other expense costs. We will then prepare the application in accordance with the required forms and then lodge your claim with the Tribunal.

The Tribunal can make awards including reimbursement of your financial losses, payment of medical treatment and, in some circumstances, a small monetary payment, called Special Financial Assistance, in recognition of what you have suffered as a result of the act of violence.

The Tribunal will also pay the legal costs associated with lodging an application if you are successful.

In addition, if an offender has been found guilty of a criminal act, you may separately be able to bring a claim for compensation under the Sentencing Act. This case is brought before the judge who has heard the criminal proceeding and must be made within 1 year of sentencing. An offender must have assets or money for any award made a judge to be enforced