Victims of crime

What to do if you have experienced crime and how Victoria Police can help. If you are in immediate danger, call Triple Zero 000.

Victoria Police will act to protect and support all victims of crime. We will investigate, offer advice and connect you to support services who can help.

If you are in immediate danger or it's an emergency, call Triple Zero 000.

About victims of crime

If you have been harmed by or have witnessed an unlawful act, you are a victim of crime.

The harm can be:

  • physical
  • mental
  • emotional
  • financial

You may have witnessed a crime or be a family member of an injured person. If this has caused you emotional distress, you can also be considered a victim of crime.

We have an obligation to treat victims and persons impacted by crime in line with the principles outlined in the Victims Charter Act 2006.

How we support victims of crime

The victim is at the centre of our approach. We aim to provide you with the service that works for you.

Victims of crime support services

There are a wide range of support services available to victims of crime. These services offer help with things like:

  • reporting a crime
  • your rights, safety and wellbeing
  • linking you with other suitable support services
  • explaining the justice process
  • getting legal advice
  • preparing a Victim Impact Statement
  • getting you ready for court
  • applying for financial help and compensation

We can connect you with the following supporting services and resources:

Victims of crime website

The Victims of Crime website is a service offering free information and support for people affected by crime.

They can help you report a crime, provide information about the court process or get help to keep you safe.

Find out more on the Victims of Crime website.

Report a crime

If you have seen or experienced crime, you should report it to Victoria Police as soon as possible.

We understand that you might be worried or afraid to report a crime. We can talk to you about how to report a crime without making a formal statement.

If you are upset or anxious about reporting a crime, you can have a trusted person with you for support.

You can report a crime as follows:

You can also contact Victims of Crime Helpline on 1800 819 817 between 8am and 11pm for support and advice.

For more options on reporting different types of crime or if you need help getting in touch, visit our Reporting an incident or a crime page.

What to expect once you report a crime

As a victim of crime, we will treat you with courtesy, dignity and respect.

You can expect us to:

If you are a victim of crime in Victoria, you have legal rights.

The Victims Charter Act 2006 contains guidelines that promote and protect those rights.

About the Victims Charter Act

The Charter explains how criminal justice agencies should treat victims of crime. It also describes their rights and entitlements.

The Charter recognises the victims have a legitimate interest in the response of the criminal justice system to the crime. It also understands that the victims play a role as participants (but not parties) in criminal proceedings.

The Charter does this by upholding the victim's rights to:

  • safety
  • privacy
  • dignity
  • and participation.

All justice agencies, including Victoria Police, must:

  • treat victims with courtesy, respect and dignity
  • have regard to victims who experience disadvantage
  • provide information about services, entitlements and help
  • communicate with the victims in a way that recognises their preferences and needs
  • protects victims’ personal information.

Victoria Police has specific obligations when communicating with victims of crime. We will:

  • keep you informed about the progress of the investigation
  • handle your possessions in a way that is lawful, secure and respectful
  • return your items as soon as possible.

Complaints as a victim of crime

You might feel that your rights as a victim may not have been respected.

If you believe we have not followed the Victims’ Charter Act 2006, you can lodge a complaint online. You can do it:

  • anonymously
  • as yourself
  • on behalf of another person.

Victims of Crime Commissioner

If you haven't been able to resolve the matter with us directly, you may complain to the Victims of Crime Commissioner.

You can find more information about Victims’ Charter Act 2006 on the Victims of Crime Commissioner website..

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When you need us, but not the sirens

Our Police Assistance Line and online reporting service allows you to contact us 24 hours a day, seven days a week.