Tuesday, 20 September 2022

Victims of crime financial assistance scheme

The Petition of certain citizens of the State of Victoria draws to the attention of the Legislative Council the urgent and critical need for a fully funded Victims Legal Service. The legal support and advice provided by the Victims Legal Service may be accessible to victims of crime, in particular sexual crime, that is otherwise outside the scope of the Office of Public Prosecutions, police prosecutors and legal aid. Failure to fund this essential service for victims of crime means that victims face substantial barriers when obtaining appropriate legal advice and do not receive complete information of their rights, entitlements and choices while moving through the justice system.

The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Council call on the Government to expand the funding and service offerings of the Victims Legal Service so that they may represent and appear on behalf of the victim in court, attend conferences between the victim, the Office of Public Prosecution and police, provide legal advice on rights and entitlements, assist with Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal applications and Victim Impact Statements and provide support when making complaints to investigators, prosecutors and victim support agencies, pursuant to the Victims Charter Act 2006.

By Mr GRIMLEY (Western Victoria) (156 signatures).

Laid on table.