|
Where am I now? Lawlink > Homepage > Counselling > Victims Access Line (VAL)
|
Print page
|
Victims Access Line (VAL)
The Victims Access Line (VAL) provides a single entry point for Victims of Crime in NSW to assist them in accessing services.
| 1800 633 063 | Calls to our 1800 number are free from any fixed-line telephone in Australia. Calls from mobile phones may incur a charge from your mobile phone provider |
| |
| (02) 8688 5511 | You can call our Sydney number if you are unable to access 1800 numbers, however STD charges may apply if you are calling from outside Sydney. Calls from mobile phones may incur a charge from your mobile phone provider |
Office hours 8:30am - 5:00pm Mon-Fri (excluding public holidays)
Our Victims Access Line staff will provide you with information about services available including basic eligibility for obtaining counselling and compensation as well as answering general 'Victims Services' enquiries.
If you are a victim of crime requiring support, you can speak to one of our referral and support staff. They will provide confidential emotional support in addition to practical information on how to access the Approved Counselling Scheme, how to access other groups and services that may assist you in your recovery, and also information about your rights as a victim of crime. All support and information can be provided in community languages via an interpreter.
After hours
You can call the Victims Access Line after-hours if you need emergency support. Listen to the prompts which will give a number of options including the option to speak to a referral and support person.
Visiting Victims Services in person
You can visit Victim Services in person at our offices in Parramatta :
Our Client Service Officers can assist you with:
- Information about the services provided by Victims Services - in particular about eligibity to receive counselling and victims compensation following an act of violence, and how to apply.
If you would like to see one of our Client Service Officers in person, please visit between 8:30am and 5:00pm on weekdays (excluding public holidays)
Our Referral & Support Officers can, additionally, offer the following help to victims of crime:
- Support for people who are a victim of a crime.
- Referrals to other agencies and organisations who may be able to assist you. (court support services, legal services, sexual assault services, domestic violence services, local support services)
- Information about the Charter of Victims Rights including what to do if you feel your rights under the charter are not being met;
- Information about Victim Impact Statements (VIS) including how to access one-on-one help;
- Information about Victims Registers;
If you would like to see one of our Referral & Support Officers in person, you can attend a dedicated 'Walk In Service' at our offices in Parramatta on Wednesdays between 9:30am and 3:30pm.
Information about the cost of calls to 1800 numbers and 1300 numbers is available on the Australian Communications and Media Authority website
|
|
TIS - Translating and Interpreting Service
|
 If you do not speak English well, you can call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450.
State what language you speak. The operator will connect you to an interpreter who speaks your language. The TIS will organise for an interpreter in your language to be on the phone when you contact the helpline you need.
|
|
Persons with a hearing or speech impairment
|
 If you are deaf, or have a hearing impairment or speech impairment you can contact the Victims Access Line through the National Relay Service:
- TTY users phone
1800 555 677 then ask for 1800 633 063
- Speak and Listen users phone 1800 555 727 then ask for 1800 633 063
- Internet relay users connect to the NRS then ask for 1800 633 063
|
|
