Many victims of crime are currently experiencing very long delays by the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal, VOCAT, in authorizing appropriate services. Recently a client has threatened suicide following a more than five month delay by VOCAT in authorizing appropriate dental and counselling expenses. These long delays, while sometimes cannot be helped, are not only contributing to the victim’s feelings of helplessness and hopelessness but are also very detrimental to recovery. Assistance to victims of crime needs to be provided in a  prompt and efficient manner and the victim treated with dignity and respect.

If you have experienced such long and unacceptable delays in the provision of services by VOCAT I suggest that you write to the Attorney General and express your concerns at:  robert.clark@parliament.vic.gov.au

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