PTSD is an extreme anxiety response following a traumatic event such as sexual or physical assault. Syptoms of PTSD include recurrent thoughts of the traumatic event, flashbacks, nightmares, avoiding reminders of the incident, emotional numbing as well being easily startled and highly vigilant. PTSD can be a very disabling condition and can affect relationships, work and…
DetailsIf you have been called as a witness in a criminal matter and would like some support while at court there is an organization called Court Network which operates within the courts to assist. Staff members of Court Network are volunteers whose role is to provide support to you as well as information about court processes…
DetailsAn Intervention Order is an order that can me made through the magistrates court to protect yourself or your property from someone who is trying to cause you harm. An intevention order is generally given for a period of time and includes restrictions place on the offender. You can seek an Intervention Order directly from…
DetailsA Victim Impact Statement is a very important document as it allows victims to directly inform the judge or magistrate how they have suffered as a consequence of the criminal act, and the contents of the Victim Impact Statement must be considered by the judge or magistrate when handing down a sentence. The Victim Impact Statement should include…
DetailsVictims have the right under the Sentencing Act to seek compensation from the offender. Compensation can include pain and suffering endured by the victim as well as property damage sustained.
For further assistance on matters of crime compensation call us today on Freecall: 1800 000 055.
Victims of Crime can access criminal records of offenders at www.crimenet.com.au. This site contains Australian criminal records on offenders of violent and sexual crimes, as well as paedophiles, together with general information on crime throughout Australia. The aim of this site is to provide information on crime and criminals and therefore making our home a safer…
DetailsVictims can now ask to be placed on a Victims Registrar which enables them to be given information about the offender, such as early release dates. Victims have the right to make submissions about such early release dates, for example, how it may affect the victim, as well as what conditions should be placed on…
DetailsThere is a website at www.lawenforcement.com.au which provides information of law enforement practices throughout Australia. Articles on trauma response protocols relevant to each state, including Victoria, can be accessed. THere is information on road trauma to criminal matters right through to natural disasters. The site is sponsored by www.childsafetyawareness.com
In 2005 to 2006 Australians expenditure on the criminal justice system was around $8.5 Billion. In 2006 there were over 200,000 violent crimes in Australia. Physical assaults represent the majority of violent crimes, with an increase of 50% between 1996 to 2006 to over 170,000 physical assaults. Physical assaults are most likely to occur in…
DetailsThere is an organization in Victoria Called People Against Lenient Sentencing (PALS). PALS believe that often the sentence does not fit the crime, particularly in such ases as childhood sexual abuse. PALS aim is to give victims a voice when sentences appear to be blatantly inadequate and inconsistent with social expectations. If you have been a…
DetailsThere is an organization in Victoria called Working Against Culpable Driving (WACD). WACD is a support service run by the family members of individuals who have been tragically killed as the result of culpable driving. Their objective is to both provide support and information to other families during such difficult times. WACD is also working towards…
DetailsThere is an organization in Victoria called the Victims of Crime Advocacy League (VOCAL). VOCAL is comprised of people who themselves have been crime victims and who believe that more needs to be done to address the rights of victims of crime. At present VOCAL is attempting to address a range of issues, including the law relating…
DetailsTranscranial Magentic Stimulation therapy (rTMS) of the right prefrontal cortex for patients suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been shown to alleviate anxiety symptoms and provided therapeutic effects for PTSD patients. rTMS is an emergenging new treatment which will soon be avialable in Australia.
A recent study has shown that the incidence of bulimic symptoms in adolescence is higher in girls who report childhood sexual abuse before age 16 years, even after adjustment for age, background factors, previous psychiatric morbidity, and dieting behavior. The incidence is 2.5 times higher for 1 episode of abuse vs 4.9 times higher for…
DetailsDomestically abusive environments damage children in a variety of ways. Always:
1. Tell them it is not their fault.
2. Encourage them to talk about the domestic violence.
3. Work out a safety and exit plan with them.
4. Let then know that they are not alone.
Stalking is a common and disabling crime that often persists for a long time causing the victim and their family extreme distress. In the past have you: 1. Been followed? 2. Had unsolicited correspondences, such as mobile, text or email? 3. Had someone stand outside yor home or workplace? 4. Left unwanted items for you to discover? 5.…
DetailsDomestic abuse is a significant problem for many people and if not addressed it eventually dominates relationships to the detriment of all concerned. Please answer the following questions honestly: 1. Are you in a relationship with a person who regularly phsically, emotionally or verbally abuses you? 2. Do you feel controlled or isolated from others by your…
DetailsGoing to court may be a very stressful time for victims. Below are a few suggestions that may help: 1. Get used to the court environment by sitting in on other cases. 2. Prepare Victim Impact Statements thoroughly. 3. Be patient as matters do not always preceed promptly. 4. Make contact with the Police Prosecutor…
DetailsProviding psychological first aid post trauma: 1. Help victims meet their basic needs. 2. Listen to others who wish to share their story. 3. Be compassionate. 4. Provide accurate information about the situation. 5. Help victims stay connected with family and friends. 6. Encourage victims to take control and help thenselves. 7. Help address concerns…
DetailsAt some time in your life you are likely to experience or witness a traumatic event. Those events that involve intense fear, helplessness or horror are more likely to result in a disabling response. Examples of traumatic events are criminal assault, sexual abuse, domestic violence and stalking. Common emotional responses include fear, guilt and anger. Common cognitive responses…
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