The FAS will consider each application on a case-by-case basis and can make additional payments in consideration of a related victim’s individual circumstances and the distress suffered.
When considering payments above the prescribed amounts, the FAS may consider the following:
- whether the death of the primary victim had a particularly significant impact on the related victim’s life, having regard to the related victim’s personal circumstances
- the nature of the related victim’s relationship with the primary victim (e.g. the primary victim was the sole carer of the related victim)
- the manner of the primary victim’s death (e.g. there were aggravating factors involved such as the level of violence inflicted on the victim or that the violent act was prolonged)
- whether there is significant likelihood of re-traumatisation (e.g. ongoing media and public attention, lengthy or complex criminal prosecution)
- the primary victim’s personal circumstances (e.g. age of the victim, any particular vulnerability)
- whether the related victim was also a victim of the same incident.
Consideration of the character of the primary victim and the related victim may impact distress payments.
Updated