Western Victims Assistance and Counselling Program (VACP)
The VACP provides a range of services to people who have experienced or witnessed violent crimes. These crimes include family violence and all forms of assault or where people have died as a result of an act of violence.
The Western VACP is available to women, men, young people and children who live or work in the Western Metropolitan Region of Melbourne (Brimbank, Hobson’s Bay, Maribyrnong, Melbourne, Melton, Moonee Valley and Wyndham).
The VACP offers
• Practical Assistance
• Information about your rights as a victim of crime
• Information about police and court procedures
• Referrals e.g. to housing services, lawyers, counsellors
• Advocacy
• Court Support
• Assistance organising a Victim’s of Crime Assistance Tribunal (VOCAT)
application
• Assistance to prepare a Victim Impact Statement
Eligibility
Those who have experienced a violent crime, which occurred in Victoria in the last two years are eligible for practical assistance. To be eligible for counselling the crime must also have been reported to police or, in the case of family violence an Intervention Order or a Family Violence Safety notice issued (within the past 12 months).
Cost
There is no cost for services within this program. Clients may also be eligible for other free assistance such as counselling and support from legal services for application to VOCAT.
Contact Western VACP
Western Region Health Centre
72 – 78 Paisley St, Footscray, 3011Phone:03 8398 4178
Email:counselling@wrhc.com.au (click here for map)
The VACP service is also available at Werribee and Melton and other areas as appropriate.
Victims Assistance and Counselling Program (VACP)
Related Program
The Western VACP is funded, in partnership with Merri Community Health Services who provides the Northern VACP, by the Department of Justice.
Other Contacts
Police 000
Victims Helpline 1800 819 817 (Mon – Fri, 8.00am – 11.00pm)
Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal (VOCAT) (03) 9628 7855 or 1800 882 752 (toll free) Mon – Fri, 9.00am – 5.00pm
Western Centre Against Sexual Assault (West CASA) 9687 5811 or After Hours Sexual Assault Crisis Line 1800 806 292 (24 hrs)
Women’s Domestic Violence Crisis Service 03 9322 3555 or 1800 015 188 (24hrs)
For further information about the court processes in the justice system that relates to being a victim of crime, go to:
www.justice.vic.gov.au/victimsofcrime
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