Financial assistance can be provided by the Queensland Government to pay for or reimburse the cost of goods and services needed by a victim of crime to recover from the physical and psychological effects of an act of violence. Financial assistance can cover medical, counselling, and incidental travel costs, as well as loss of earnings and funeral assistance. Financial assistance is designed to reach victims in a timely manner to help reduce the stress and trauma involved for the victim of crime.
A victim of crime needs to apply to Victim Assist Queensland for financial assistance. They must have reported the act of violence, usually to the police but in special circumstances it only needs to be reported to their doctor, psychologist or counsellor, (such as children and victims of sexual assault). The victim will also need their doctor to complete a Medical Certificate to say that they were injured by the act of violence (physical or psychological).
The financial assistance is available to the following eligible victims of crime:
Primary victim: Person directly injured by an act of violence
Related victim: Close family member of a primary victim that has died
For acts of violence committed after 1 December 2009:
Parent secondary victim: Parent who has been injured as a result of their child being injured
Witness secondary victim: Person injured from seeing or hearing the act of violence committed against the primary victim
Visit the Victim Assist Queensland webpage for more information about financial assistance and how a victim of crime can apply . Or call 1300 546 587 between 8.30am and 5pm Monday to Friday.
Last Updated: 22 Feb 2010 -rs