Victims of crime in Victoria were awarded $47,900,000 in compensation and legal costs during 2013/2014 down from $49,100,000 the previous year.
Peter Lauritsen, Chief Magistrate, said 6611 applications were finalised and another 5722 were lodged, down by 141 on the previous year and the lowest number lodged since 2008.
Magistrate Lauritsen said he did not expect this trend to continue due to increasing rates of reported family violence and sexual offending.
According to the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal (VOCAT) 50% of applications were finalised within nine months and 65.2% within a year.
More females than males made applications (52.7%) with most applications stemming from assaults (55.4%).
568 applications were related to homicide, up from 407 the previous year.
If you have been a victim of crime call 1800 000 055 or (03) 9415 9492 or go to www.victimsofcrime.com.au or email support@victimsofcrime.com.au for assistance, advice and support.

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