Windermere's Victim Assistance and Counselling Program brings together a range of support and counselling services for individuals, families or groups who have been affected by violent crimes such as family violence, sexual assault, physical assault and murder.

Who Can Use the Service

People of any age who live or work in the Southern Metropolitan Region, which includes the Peninsula, are eligible for assistance after experiencing or witnessing a violent crime.

Locations of Services

Arrangements can be made to see people at offices throughout the Southern Region, in their homes or other appropriate locations.

The Victims Assistance and Counselling Program provides:

• Information
• Practical assistance
• Counselling
• Referral to other services
• Advocacy
• Assistance with VOCAT application
• Court support
• Brokerage

Support is offered to people who are victims of both reported and unreported violent crimes.

Counselling

Who is eligible?

Victims of crime may access short term counselling to assist them in their recovery from a crime which has occurred in Victoria in the last twelve months. This includes:

• Primary victims of a violent crime
• Related victims of a homicide or culpable driving
• Victims of family violence with an Intervention Order
• Victims of a sexual assault

During counselling, victims may be assisted to apply to the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal (VOCAT) for additional counselling.

Referrals

All referrals should be made through Windermere's Victim Assistance and Counselling Program Intake Worker on 97053200.

Confidentiality

People who use this service have the right to know that their case manager or counsellor will keep their information confidential.

Complaints

People who use this service, who wish to make a complaint can do so by contacting the Manager, Child and Community Care on 9705 3200.

Cost
All services are free.