In order to be eligible for assistance from the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal (VOCAT), a person must be a victim of an act of violence AND has to have suffered either physical or mental injury as a result of the act of violence.
- Assault
- Assault and Robbery
- Armed Robbery
- Aggravated Burglary
- Sexual assault / childhood sexual abuse
- Domestic violence
- Stalking
- Deprivation of liberty
- Threats to harm or kill
- Dangerous driving, culpable driving
- Conduct endangering life
Crime often affects more than just the direct victim, with witnesses to a crime and family members of a person injured or killed also affected. Such secondary victims of crime may also be able to apply for crime assistance and compensation
Police reporting
The crime must have been reported to police within a reasonable time. The police do not need to arrest anyone, or lay any charges, but they must be satisfied that a crime has taken place. If the crime has not been reported to the police there must be special circumstances shown.
Time limits
The crime must have occurred within the last 2 years. If the application is being made outside of the 2 year time limit an application for an extension of time must be made. This is often the case for crimes of childhood sexual crimes and domestic violence, but not limited to such crimes. Applications made for crimes occurring outside the 2 year time limit may still be successful.