FAQs

Under the law, a person is considered a victim of violent crime if they have experienced an ‘act of violence’. In Queensland, an ‘act of violence’ includes:

• assault
• murder and attempted murder
• manslaughter
• property offences with violence, including break and enter and robbery
• kidnapping
• stalking
• threats with a weapon
• domestic violence (including coercive control)
• sexual assault or sexual abuse.

Most of these crimes must be reported to the police to access assistance as a victim of violent crime.

Victims of interpersonal violence such as sexual and domestic violence do not have to make a report to police and have special rights due to the complexities of interpersonal violence.

A person is not considered a victim of violent crime under the law for property crimes such as:

• Stolen cars or other property
• House break-ins (unless they were at home at the time and assaulted or threatened)
• Property damage such as breaking or damaging things

Accidents or acts of self-harm are also not included in the definition of an ‘act of violence’.

If you have experienced a property crime, you can contact the police on 000 if it is happening now, or file a police report via Policelink on 131 444 if it has already occurred.

What types of crimes can you help victims with?

The criminal justice system is complex, including understanding the supports and court processes for the many types of crimes. VictimConnect can help with crime which involves an “act of violence”.

The list below is helpful but not exhaustive.

Violence endangering life, including:

• Attempted murder
• Malicious act
• Torture
• Grievous bodily harm
• Any other offence involving serious injury or endangerment of life.

Property offences with violence, including:

• All robberies
• Home invasions, enter premises with intent, burglary, or car-jackings where violence or threats were involved or there was direct contact with the victim during the property offence
• Stealing from the person.

Sexual offences, including:

• All sexual offences against people under 18 at the time of offence, including grooming and exploitation materials and historical sexual offences
• All sexual offences against people over 18 at the time of the offence, including historical sexual offences
• Rape and attempted rape
• Sexual assault.

Choking, suffocation, or strangulation, including:

• All offences of choking, suffocation, or strangulation in a domestic setting.

Assaults

• Assault Occasioning Bodily Harm
• Serious assaults
• Common assault.

Harassment, abduction, and other threatening offences against the person

• Stalking
• Abduction, kidnapping, and/or child stealing
• Deprivation of liberty/false imprisonment
• Threats
• Dangerous conduct with a weapon
• Extortion.

Any other offence of harassment or threatening behaviour but excluding contravention of a court order

Dangerous driving offences

• Dangerous driving causing death
• Dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm.

Homicide

• Murder
• Manslaughter
• Unlawful striking causing death

Domestic and Family Violence

Call us on 1300 318 940

We understand that reporting a violent crime to the police can be hard. It is your choice and we are here to support you no matter what you choose.

It is however important for you to know that not reporting a crime may impact on the type of victim assistance and rights you can access, but we can work with you on understanding this.

Victims of interpersonal violence such as sexual and domestic violence do not have to make a report to police because they have special rights due to the complexities of interpersonal violence.

Call us on 1300 318 940 to find out more about what help and support you can access for your individual situation.

Victim Assist Queensland provides financial assistance to victims of crime in Queensland. You can find out more about how to apply and who can apply here. If you need support with completing your application, we can help.

Call us on 1300 318 940

If you are in danger, call 000.

We understand that the impacts of a violent crime can last long after the crime has occurred. If you are feeling unsafe in your home, we can help you with counselling, referrals, case management and assistance to apply for financial support for safety upgrades.

Call us on 1300 318 940

While we cannot provide court support or legal advice, we can support you to access these services.

We can help you by making referrals, providing general information about the court process, counselling and case management associated with the emotional impacts of court, and we can help with Victim Impact Statements.

Call us on 1300 318 940

You have the right to be informed of the outcome of a criminal matter where you were the victim of a violent crime in Queensland. The Police should advise you if you cannot be informed due to concerns around jeopardising the investigation. Find out more about your rights in The Charter of Victims’ Rights.

You can also call us on 1300 318 940 for more information.

Yes, we can help you with writing a Victim Impact Statement by sharing important things to consider including, and explaining how your Statement can fit into the criminal justice process. We can also provide counselling because we understand that going through this process can be difficult.

Call us on 1300 318 940

Yes! We can provide counselling and case management and help find the right supports for your child.

Call us on 1300 318 940

If you are in danger, call 000.

We understand that the impacts of a violent crime can last long after the crime has occurred. We can offer you free counselling sessions as well as case management services that can put you in touch with psychological support in your area.

Call us on 1300 318 940

Our counselling services are offered virtually but our case management can be in-person in many areas across Queensland.

Call us on 1300 318 940 to find out more about these options.

We have a page on our website called Supporting Someone which has lots of helpful information on how to be there for a loved one who has experienced a violent crime.

You can also call us on 1300 318 940 if you need more information.

Yes, you can call our service from interstate or overseas if you need support for a crime which occurred in Queensland.

Call us on 1300 318 940

Unfortunately, our service is unable to support people who have experienced a violent crime outside of Queensland. However, we can help you find the right service if you are not sure who else to call.

Call us on 1300 318 940

VictimConnect operates within the Information Privacy Act 2009.All records and electronic data are protected from unauthorised use.

Client information will not be disclosed or shared without the caller’s consent unless required by law and/or the policies of this organisation. Find out more in our Privacy Policy.

As a victim of crime, you have special rights in the criminal justice process. If you feel these have not been met, you can make a complaint. If you have already accessed VictimConnect, you can speak with your current practitioner about making a complaint. If you are yet to talk to anyone at VictimConnect, you can call our helpline any time. Alternatively, you can contact Victim Assist Queensland via their website.

Call 1300 318 940

You can also make a complaint about our service if you feel we are not meeting your expectations.  This is different to your rights under legislation, but you do have the right to make a complaint at any time. Our Client Charter has more information about this process and you can access this here.