Home | Victims of Crime Victoria

Going to Court

Getting information about your court case

You can follow the progress of a case by contacting the police, or by contacting the court directly.

Summons and subpoenas

As a victim of crime, you may be called upon to be a witness in court.

Types of courts

The court the case will go to depends on the type of crime that was committed and the age of the accused person.

Getting ready for court

If the case goes to court and you are required as a witness, you need to get ready for court.

Giving evidence

What to do when you have to give evidence at court.

Victim Impact Statements

Your Victim Impact Statement is one of the things the judge or magistrate thinks about when they decide what penalty to give the offender.

The court's decision

If the accused person pleads guilty or is found guilty at court, the judge or magistrate must think about what penalty should be given.

Compensation and financial assistance

If your financial situation has changed because of a crime, you may be entitled to financial assistance to help with the expenses you have.

Child Witness Service

A specialist service that provides court education and support for children who give evidence at court.

Compensation from the offender

If the accused person is found guilty of the crime committed against you, you may be able to claim compensation from them.

This is the official Victorian Government website for people affected by crime.

Get free information and support to help you manage the effects of crime and guide you through the legal process.

I want to...

get support

get financial assistance

get help keeping safe

get information about the court case

make a Victim Impact Statement at court

get information about the offender

Call or text the Victims of Crime Helpline to

get advice about reporting a crime
find other services that can help you
get information about the court process
get help applying for compensation and financial assistance.

Open 8am–11pm, every day

Call 1800 819 817

Text 0427 767 891

The effects of crime

This page explains some of the emotional and physical effects of experiencing a crime, and how to get support.

Laying charges

If the alleged offender is charged, the case will go to court.

Compensation and financial assistance

If your financial situation has changed because of a crime, you may be entitled to financial assistance to help with the expenses you have.

Latest news

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Victim Support Service operations during coronavirus (COVID-19)

21 May 2020

Victim Support Service operations during coronavirus (COVID-19)

Key information about services that are available to victims of crime and vulnerable witnesses during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Changes to the way the Magistrates’ Court operates

19 March 2020

Changes to the way the Magistrates’ Court operates

The Magistrates Court of Victoria is changing the way that it operates in response to the COVID-19 virus.

Notice of an award of damages to a prisoner

24 December 2019

Notice of an award of damages to a prisoner

In accordance with section 104Y of the Corrections Act 1986 notice is given that an award of damages has been made to former prisoner Glen Remilton in a claim against the State of Victoria.

Call or text the Victims of Crime Helpline to

The effects of crime

Laying charges

Compensation and financial assistance

Latest news

Victim Support Service operations during coronavirus (COVID-19)

Changes to the way the Magistrates’ Court operates

Notice of an award of damages to a prisoner

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