Apply for Victims of Crime Compensation with Expert VOCAT Lawyers in Melbourne

Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal (VOCAT) was established by the legislation in Melbourne to acknowledge and provide monetary assistance to the victims of crime in Victoria. It was established by the Victims of Crime Assistance Act of 1996.
At Daniel Lawyers & Associates, we have tons of experience helping our clients draft applications for VOCAT.

What is VOCAT?

VOCAT aspires to be a commiserate and compassionate forum for applicants to relate their experience as victims of crime. The applications for financial aid are carefully assessed by Tribunal members, who are also Magistrates or Judicial Registrars of the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria. The Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal consists of a Chief Magistrate of the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria and other personnel. The latter hold the magistrate’s office under section 7 of the Magistrates’ Court Act 1989 or acting magistrate under section 9 of that Act.

Who can apply for VOCAT?

In order to apply for monetary assistance by VOCAT, one must be a victim of a violent crime that caused severe injury or loss. The injury could be due to a plethora of reasons such as violent Acts, robbery, family violence, actual physical bodily harm or mental impairment or emotional disorder. Typically, the client must be able to establish a clear link between the crime and the injury. Furthermore, the crimes should be reported to the police within a reasonable time. It is important to note that it’s not the arrest that is required. This is done to prove to the tribunal that a crime has definitely taken place. Furthermore, the crime should’ve occurred within the last two years. One can also apply to the tribunal even if your partner or family member committed the crime.

How to apply for VOCAT?

At Daniel Lawyers and Associates, we have very efficient criminal compensation lawyers who help clients on a day-to-day basis with their application to VOCAT.
In order to apply, one needs to fill in an Application for Assistance form and send it to the tribunal.
Interestingly, if the client has a lawyer, the tribunal will pay for the lawyer’s fees, even if they refuse the application. This is usually done at the tribunal’s discretion. Under some circumstances, Victoria Legal Aid might also assist these victims in making an application.

What assistance is available at VOCAT?

Apart from the financial support, the tribunal also helps with a range of expenses including counselling, medical, safety-related, and funeral expenses. Survivors may also get assistance for lost earnings and other reasonable expenses which assist their speedy recovery. Furthermore, the amount of assistance a client is eligible for is based on the following:

  • Whether the person is injured in the crime
  • Someone has witnessed a crime or is a parent of a child victim
  • A relative or dependant of someone has died as a result of an act of violence.

Compensation through the courts

As a victim of a crime, one can receive a court order for compensation if the offender is proven guilty of the offence. However, the survivor must ensure that the applications must be filed within 12 months of the court’s decision. Furthermore, the skilled and experienced crime compensation lawyers at Daniel Lawyers & Associates advise their clients to apply to the sentencing judge to receive compensation for any pain and suffering experienced as a direct result of the crime.

Therefore, it is vital to discuss the details of the claim with a lawyer as early as possible. Furthermore, the judge can release an order for compensation. This implies that the offender is responsible for paying the compensation. In case, the offender has no assets, it may be challenging to get any payment. However, in such situations, the court will take into account the offender’s financial circumstances.

Get in touch with us on (03) 9687 3211 for 30-minute phone consultation or email us at enquiries@danielllawyers.com.au.

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Joanne is very diligent in making sure all legal aspects are fully satisfied. Easy to do business with. Happy with the probate support she provided.
Wes Kosior
Wes Kosior
2021-07-07
I am very happy with the service provided to my business. Daniel Lawyers & Associates went out of their way to ensure all transactions fulfil with care. Highly recommend Daniel Lawyers Service to anyone/business. Thank you so much Sinan and the friendly team.
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PASEFIKA Link
2021-05-31
I have had a very good discussion with Sinan who explained absolutely everything is great detail. I have obtained all that I need to decide on how to proceed going forward. He's very nice and courteous and a good listener. Totally enjoyable session and I have no issues getting his service again if need be in the future. Regards, Khanh
khanh tran
khanh tran
2020-12-08
Thank you very much It was a pleasure dealing with Danial lawyers (Sinan Daniel)
rasha suliman
rasha suliman
2020-08-25
Joanne is one of the most polite, caring and understanding legal professionals I have ever had the pleasure of dealing with. She turned what looked like a non-winnable case into a successful case. I found her amazing, understanding and very considerate to the circumstances that had occurred. I would recommend her to anyone without a second thought. My sincere thanks Joanne.
Marie Paget
Marie Paget
2020-06-25
Thankfully we have had very little dealings with lawyers so really wasn’t sure what to expect when engaging Joanne and her team to assist us with probate and the sale of our estate. I sent out several web enquiries and Joanne was only one of a very few that responded. So without hesitation we engaged the practise. Joanne is incredibly efficient with most emails literally getting answered within 30 seconds. She answers all queries with consummate professionalism and at no point have we been left wondering how things work during this very arduous process. Sometimes if we had forgotten to sign a form she would even send a staff member over to home to get us to sign. We have both been overwhelmed at her service and also the fees which are so much less then the bigger firms. We would recommend her and her team in a heartbeat.
Jas P
Jas P
2019-03-27
Joanne was a very professional throughout my legal process and she was very confident when she was giving me the legal advise. I'm very satisfied customer and i wish Joanne very best in her business and her family.
kice markovski
kice markovski
2018-05-11