Victim Assist Queensland

Victim Assist Queensland (VAQ) is an agency of the Queensland Government Department of Justice and Attorney-General that provides information, advice and financial assistance to victims of violent crime and domestic violence throughout the State of Queensland.[1][2] VAQ also overseas the implementation of and complaints under the Queensland Charter of Victims' Rights, provides court support, and coordinates interagency referrals including with the Queensland Police Service.[3][4]

Victim Assist Queensland
Agency overview
Formed2009 (2009)
Preceding agency
  • Criminal Injury Compensation Unit
JurisdictionState of Queensland
HeadquartersBrisbane, Queensland
Minister responsible
Agency executives
Parent departmentQueensland Government Department of Justice and Attorney-General
Parent agencyCommunity Justice Services
Child agencies
  • Victim Services Coordination Unit
  • Financial Assistance Unit
Key document
  • Victims of Crime Assistance Act 2009
Websitewww.qld.gov.au/victims

History

VAQ was established in 2009 with the entering into force of the Victims of Crime Assistance Act 2009 (VOCA). Prior to VOCA, the criminal compensation scheme was managed under the Criminal Offence Victims Act 1995 (COVA) by the former Criminal Injury Compensation Unit within the Department of Justice and Attorney-General. Prior to COVA, the victims compensation scheme was provided for by the Criminal Code Act 1899 (CODA) by the Queensland courts.[5]

Role and responsibilities

VAQ is a public service agency of the Queensland Government Department of Justice and Attorney-General and therefore is responsible to the Queensland Parliament via the Queensland Attorney-General.[6] VAQ comprises the Victim Services Coordination Unit (VSCU) and the Financial Assistance Unit (FAU).[7]

Financial Assistance Scheme

The principal focus of Victim Assist Queensland is the financial assistance scheme for victims of violent crime for out of pocket expenses for safety and recovery needs. VAQ administers an evidence-based assessment process of applications from primary victims, witnesses, parents of child victims, and close family members of homicide victims.[8][9][10]

Information and Referral Service

The Information and Referral Service, known as LinkUp, is a central point of information about financial assistance, advice about victims' rights, and referrals to support service. LinkUp operates a helpline during business hours and provides information in-person by appointment and via email. LinkUp also manages the interagency referrals system with the Queensland Police Service.[11]

High Risk Teams

With the implementation of the recommendations of the Not Now, Not Ever Report, the Queensland Government established integrated interagency teams for victims of domestic violence at high risk of homicide.[12] Victim Assist Queensland officers along with the police officers, child safety officers, probation and parole officers, and local support services provide case management and information sharing for high risk victims.[13]

Victim Coordination Program

Victim Assist Queensland operates a regional victim coordination program with officers in Ipswich, Rockhampton, and Cairns. Victim Coordination Officers provide support to victims and their families in attending court, drafting victim impact statements, and applying for financial assistance.[14] VAQ also maintains a Regional Coordinators in Townsville and in Cairns for capacity building with government agencies and community organisations and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander engagement.[15]

Victim Services Funding Program

VAQ also administers the Victim Services Funding Program which provides funding to non-profit organisations to support victims of violent crime in Queensland. Recipient organisations include Relationships Australia to run the Victim Counselling and Support Service, the Queensland Homicide Victim Support Group, and the Court Network.[16]

Notable staff

Victims rights activist and the 2009 Young Australian of the Year, Jonty Bush, worked at Victim Assist Queensland as Community Liaison and Research Officer and Acting Director.

References
  1. Queensland Law Society
  2. Spike in payout claims as law includes victims of financial, emotional abuse Brisbane Times
  3. Support for victims of crime Queensland Police Service
  4. Victims of crime assistance Legal Aid Queensland
  5. Davies, Iyla Therese (1991) "Compensation for Criminal Injuries in Australia: A Proposal for Change in Queensland," Bond Law Review: Vol. 3: Iss. 1, Article 1.
  6. Final Report on the review of the Victims of Crime Assistance Act 2009 Queensland Parliament
  7. Building capacity: Domestic Violence Best Practice Victim Assist Queensland and Domestic Violence Community Legal Centres Queensland
  8. Financial assistance available and who can apply Queensland Government Department of Justice and Attorney-General
  9. Daly, K., R. Holder, and V. Meyer (2019). The FAVE Project, Financial Assistance and Victims’ Experiences, Technical Report No. 6: Contexts, Data, and Decisions by Victim Assist Queensland for Sexual Offences. Brisbane: Griffith University
  10. Domestic Violence and Capacity Building for Community Legal Centres Program Community Legal Centres Queensland
  11. Queensland Law Society
  12. High-Risk Teams help keep DV victims safer The Honourable Di Farmer MP
  13. Integrated service responses Department of Child Safety, Youth and Women
  14. Queensland Courts
  15. Support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander victims of crime Queensland Government Department of Justice and Attorney-General
  16. Agency training, funding and research Queensland Government Department of Justice and Attorney-General
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