Disclaimer: The material in this print-out relates to the law as it applies in the state of Victoria. It is intended as a general guide only. Readers should not act on the basis of any material in this print-out without getting legal advice about their own particular situations. Victoria Legal Aid disclaims any liability howsoever caused to any person in respect of any action taken in reliance on the contents of the publication.

We help Victorians with their legal problems and represent those who need it most. Find legal answers, chat with us online, or call us. You can speak to us in English or ask for an interpreter. You can also find more legal information at www.legalaid.vic.gov.au

Victims Legal Service

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The Victims Legal Service provides free legal advice and support to people who have suffered injury or loss because of a crime and need help to:

  • get financial assistance through the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal
  • get compensation from the person who committed the crime.

The Victims Legal Service can also provide legal advice to sexual violence victim-survivors seeking to protect their confidential communications and health information, such as medical or counselling records, during court proceedings.

The Victims Legal Service is delivered in partnership between Victoria Legal Aid, community legal centres and Aboriginal legal services across the state.

The Victims Legal Service Helpline is a specialist advice phone line, that provides legal information, legal advice and referrals. The service is available to all victims of crime who need legal information or advice on how to make an application for financial assistance with the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal or to make an application for restitution and compensation from the person who committed the crime.

From 1 March 2024, the Victims Legal Service is expanding to provide legal assistance, advice and representation to victim-survivors of sexual violence who want to understand their options to protect their confidential communications and health information, such as medical or counselling records, in a court proceeding.

How to get help

If you or someone you are supporting needs help, you can contact the Victims Legal Service Helpline on 1800 531 566 between 9 am – 5 pm, Monday to Friday.

If you are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander you may choose to get assistance from an Aboriginal legal service provider (including Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service or Djirra). You can contact Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service or Djirra directly, or contact the Victims Legal Service Helpline to be referred.

If you speak another language you can contact the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 and ask to speak to Legal Help who will put you in touch with the Victims Legal Service Helpline.

The Victims Legal Service is not able to assist you with all your victim related legal matters. This includes if you need legal assistance in legal processes that do not relate to:

  • financial compensation through VOCAT
  • restitution and compensation orders (RACOs)
  • confidential communications and health information during court proceedings.

If the Victims Legal Service is unable to assist you, we will refer you to another service that may be able to provide you with the support you need.

Other support

The Victims of Crime Helpline is a free service offering information, advice and referrals to help victims to manage and recover from the effects of crime. Helpline staff can also contact other agencies on your behalf so you don't need to repeat your story. The Victims Support Agency also manages the Victims Assistance and Counselling Program and can help you apply to the Victims Register.

You can call or text the Victims of Crime Helpline: Call 1800 819 817 or text 0427 767 891. Open every day from 8 am to 11 pm.

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