All of our Psychologists accept referrals from Centacare’s Victims Assistance and Counselling Program (VACP).  This a government funded initiative that provides information and practical support to victims, their families or anyone affected by violent crime.

Victims are assigned a case manager and depending on their needs, the VACP support workers can:

• refer to other services, such as solicitors, media and mental health;
• provide criminal justice information, advocacy, support in making statements with police and courts;
• provide support at court and VOCAT hearings;
• provide assistance with preparing Victim Impact Statements and submissions to the Adult Parole Board; and
• refer to counselling and other therapeutic interventions.

This a free service for eligible clients.  Referral is via the Centacare VACP intake and assessment process.  Referrals can be made by contacting the service directly or by family, police, solicitors, courts, community service organisations or health professionals.

For more information please telephone 1300 033 818 or view the VACP information brochure HERE

Our Psychologists are all highly experienced in working with victims of crime and are familiar with the process involved in submitting a VOCAT application.  We offer assessment and report writing services to clients who wish to make a VOCAT application as well counselling services to clients who have an accepted claim.

VOCAT was established on 1 July 1997 to acknowledge and provide financial assistance to victims of crime committed in Victoria and to assist them in their recovery from crime.

VOCAT can assist by awarding:

• Between $100 and $10 000 as a lump sum payment to primary victims of a crime as a gesture of apology from the State;
• Up to $60 000 in medical or psychological treatment;
• Up to 2 years in replacement wages if you are unable to work as a result of your injury;
• Reimbursement of lost or damaged clothing worn at the time of the incident; and
• Up to $100 000 shared between all family, where a close family member or dependent has died as a result of an act of violence.
• In order to make an Application to VOCAT, the incident must be reported to Victoria Police and must be filed within 2 years of the incident occurring (unless exceptional circumstances exist).

Because the application process can be quite daunting and complicated, we strongly recommend that you obtain legal assistance with this process.  Your Lawyer will assist by compiling all of the information needed for your application and will submit it on your behalf.  In most cases, this will not cost you anything as VOCAT will pay any legal fees you incur when making a claim.  These fees are not deducted from any award that you may be eligible to receive. We highly recommend the following Law Firms to assist with your claim as we have had a positive experience in working collaboratively with them in the past to get the best outcome for victims:

• Schembri & Co Lawyers T: (03) 9331 3144
• Justin Burke Lawyers T: (03) 5331 1122

When you contact our clinic for an appointment, it is important to let Reception know that the appointment is in relation to a VOCAT application.  We will liaise with your Lawyer to obtain any additional information that may be needed in relation to your claim.  Over one to two sessions, your Psychologist will complete an assessment of your presenting concerns including the impact of the act of violence on you.  This may include the use of specific tests or questionnaires to get an understanding of your symptoms.  A Report will be prepared and forwarded to your Lawyer.  This Report will include recommendations about any ongoing counselling treatment that may be needed as well as any other assistance that may be required to help with your recovery.

In most circumstances, all costs associated with the preparation of reports will be forwarded to VOCAT for payment.

Once your claim has been approved, ongoing counselling sessions will be provided as per the treatment plan outlined in your Report.  There are no out-of-pocket fees for these sessions.