21 November 2011
If you have been a victim of crime and have suffered a physical or psychological injury as a result of an assault, sexual assault, or if you have been a victim of domestic violence, you may be able to receive compensation and/or counseling from the Victims Services.
An application must be made within two years of the act of violence and documentary evidence will need to accompany your application. The maximum amount of compensation that can be awarded is $50,000 per act of violence with the minimum amount payable at $7,500. In addition to compensation you can also apply for counseling. If this is required Victims Services will allocate you a counselor for the purpose of a report to support your claim. In psychological or psychiatric disorders, you will also be allocated an Authorised Report Writer (ARW) who will assess you as to your disorder and provide a report to Victims Services to assist with your claim. Compensation may also be paid for financial loss up to an amount of $10,000. You may also be able to claim loss of weekly earnings. Once all the information has been received your application is then filed and processed by Victim’s Services and a date for determination is allocated. The Assessor will then make a decision with regard to your eligibility for an award for compensation. If you are successful you will then receive a letter advising you of the result and an Application for payment Form to accept the payment made to you. An award cheque will then be sent to Coastal Compensation Law Specialists from Victim’s services on your behalf. This can be a very stressful process. Coastal Compensation Law Specialists will assist you as much as possible so you can concentrate on your rehabilitation. Our fees are paid separately by Victim’s services. If you are unsure as to whether you have a claim, please contact us on 1300 223 529 or call either the Gosford (4322 6666) or Wyong (4353 1248) office.