In 2009 – 2010 there were over 39,000 reported crimes against a person, a 33% increase over the past ten years. In the same period of time there was less than 5,000 successful crimes compensation applications which means that around 88% of all eligible victims did not receive assistance from their tax funded entitlements for…
DetailsVictims of crime will often experience nightmares following trauma, such as a physical or sexual assault, and which can be very debilitating and bring back disturbing memories of the assault. Nightmares can occur any time following a traumatic event and can be difficult to understand. Nightmares can result in feelings of loneliness, distress, sadness, anger,…
DetailsSexual assault can happen to anyone and nobody ever deserves to be sexually assaulted. Recent Australian research suggests that more men are sexually assaulted after they turn fifteen years of age than before. It is also estimated that the occurrence of Childhood Sexual Abuse in Australia may be as high as one in three women…
DetailsMindfulness Meditation(MM) can be used to address difficult and painful thoughts post trauma. Mindfulness is the non-judgmental observation of the ongoing stream of internal and external stimuli as they arise. The practice of MM allows the individual to be able to identify, tolerate and reduce difficult, painful and even frightening thoughts, feelings and sensations and aims…
DetailsAnxiety is a normal human emotion but when it is severe and affects quality of life it then becomes a disorder. The five most common types of anxiety disorders are: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Anxiety disorders are common and affect about 14% of the…
DetailsIn Victoria between 2006 and 2010 there were 105 people sentenced for the offence of culpable driving causing death. Driving a motor vehicle dangerously or under the influence of alcohol or drugs and causing the death of another person will invoke this offence. This offence in Victoria carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in…
DetailsIn light of the forthcoming imposition of a mandatory 4 year sentence for adult offenders of violent assault crimes the Sentencing Advisory Committee has proposed a 2 year minimum detention sentence for youths aged 16 and 17 who commit gross violence offences. The two-year minimum sentence of detention would apply regardless of whether the youth…
DetailsIf you have been a victim of a violent crime in Victoria and you are seeking information regarding your offender’s sentencing a service exists whereby you can be informed of information such as the length of sentence, earliest release dates, actual release dates or notification of the offender being moved to home detention. The service,…
DetailsVictims of crime who have seen their offender be unfairly acquitted may be able to seek justice for a second time. The Victorian Parliament introduced legislation on 8 November 2011 that allows criminals to be retried for an offence where significant new evidence comes to light that compels the guilt of a previously acquitted criminal.…
DetailsVictoria is set to introduce mandatory sentences for violent criminals. In response to the alarming number of violent bashings occurring in Victoria, the state parliament, on advice of the Sentencing Advisory Council, has proposed a minimum 4 year imprisonment for adult offenders who leave their victims with permanent injuries. National health statistics indicate that hospitalisation…
DetailsAs many victims of crime may be unaware of their rights under the Victims’ Charter Act 2006 below are some points which may of interest to victims of crime. For further specific details please refer to the Act in full or if in Victoria contact Victims of Crime Counselling & Compensation Services on Freecall 1800…
DetailsThe Crimes Amendment (Bullying) Act 2011, introduced in Victoria in April 2011, is intended to strengthen the existing offence of stalking in the Crimes Act 1958 to cover the range of serious bullying behaviour. The new laws provide the power for a court to impose a custodial penalty for serious bullying. The Act sends a strong message…
DetailsAccording to The Sentencing Amendment Act 2010 and the Sentencing Further Amendment Act 2011, suspended sentences have been abolished for a range of serious crimes when prosecuted in the higher courts, including recklessly causing serious injury, aggravated burglary and arson, and there is a move to achieve the complete abolition of suspended sentences for all…
DetailsA total of just over $55 Million in financial assistance was awarded to 4,891 victim of crime applicants. The average amount of financial assistance awarded per applicant was $8,564.00 Almost all primary victims of crime were awarded special financial assistance with the average amount being $3,141.00. The average amount of financial assistance awarded for loss…
DetailsGeneral Recognize that you have been through a highly stressful experience and acknowledge that you will have a psychological reaction to it. Excessive denial, or refusal to accept your feelings, may delay the recovery process. Do not try to block out thoughts of the incident or to avoid reminders of it. Confronting the reality, bit…
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