The Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal (VOCAT) is the governing authority that provides financial assistance to victims of violent crime committed in Victoria. VOCAT assists victims by providing financial assistance for expenses incurred, or reasonably likely to be incurred, as a direct result of the crime.
VOCAT may award financial assistance for the following expenses:
1. Lump sum payments (Special Financial Assistance) may be awarded to assist recovery and in recognition of, injury, distress and trauma experienced by the victim.
2. Counselling
3. Medical
4. Safety-related
5. Funeral expenses
6. Lost earnings
7. Other reasonable expenses to assist recovery
VOCAT will assist with the above expenses when assistance is not available from another source. VOCAT does not provide financial assistance for expenses incurred through loss or damage to property as a result of a crime.