According to a statement from the VLRC, the state-funded scheme would "assist victims to recover after a criminal act by helping them to pay for medical expenses, counselling, housing, immediate needs and other things required for their safety and wellbeing".

In calling for the new scheme, the VLRC highlighted the need for victims to have their voices heard in a respectful forum. It added that it should apply to anyone who has been a victim and suffered an injury as a result of a criminal act, including all sexual offences, some serious property offences and a range of family violence offences.

"The commission recommends that the current Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal should be abolished. The current levels of financial assistance should be increased, and the scheme should be funded by the state," the statement from the VLRC said.

"Victims should also be entitled to receive a recognition statement which acknowledges the impact of the criminal act on behalf of the state."

Commenting further, chair of the VLRC Philip Cummins AM said, “The commission recommends that the Victims of Crime Assistance Act 1996 should be repealed and replaced with an act that establishes a new scheme to better help victims recover from a criminal act.

VIEW ALL

“Contemporary understanding of victims’ rights and needs has moved beyond the present Victorian system, and there is a need for a new scheme that is therapeutic, victim-centred and trauma-informed.

“Our recommendations would make it easier for victims to get the help they need more quickly, through a non-traumatic and straightforward process.”