Government
The Victim Assist Queensland website has information on financial assistance, support services and victims rights.You can use this website to search for support services available around Queensland. You can also speak in confidence to a Victims LinkUp Information Officer by calling 1300 546587 between 8.30am and 5.00pm.
Domestic Violence information is also provided on the site. Domestic violence victims can phone DV Connect on 1800 811 811 (this is a free 24 hours call).
Witness Assistance Officers work in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to provide information and referral services to victims of violent crime, including help with making victim impact statements.
Queensland Police Service website has information to assist victims of crime. In an emergency phone 000.
The Sex Crimes Investigation Unit was formed on 16 July 2001. The Unit investigates child abuse, serial sex offences and offenders, organised paedophilia, institutionalised abuse, child exploitation and Internet child pornography as well as recent cases where victims have been adversely affected by substances covertly administered to nightclub patrons.To contact the Sexual Crimes Investigation Unit call 3364 6464.
Corrective Services has information on Victims Registers.
Legal Assistance
The Queensland Law Society can assist with a referral to a legal practitioner in your area. You can phone the Queensland Law Society on (07) 3842 5842 or email info@qls.com.au
Community Legal Centres Community Legal Centres are independent community organisations providing free legal services including advice and information. Most Centres provide face-to-face legal advice as well as information over the phone. Many Centres hold daytime and evening interview and advice sessions.
The Legal Aid Queensland website has information about the law, lawyers, and the justice system in Queensland. You can call the Client Information Services call centre on 1300 65 11 88 for the cost of a local call. Client Information Officers can help people to work out if their problem is legal, discuss their options and refer them to an appropriate agency if necessary. Client Information Officers also assess applications for legal aid and provide an information and referral service over the counter at offices located throughout Queensland.
Other Assistance
Victims Counselling and Support Services (VCSS) is managed by Relationships Australia Qld and is funded through the Queensland Government Department of Communities. The Victims Counselling and Support Services provides victims of crime with information and referrals to support services. Phone: 1300 139 703 (24 hours).
Parentline is a confidential and anonymous telephone counselling service for parents and/or primary care givers. Phone 1300 30 1300 (cost of local call) between 8am and 10pm seven days a week.
Email: parentline@kidshelp.com.au
The Elder Abuse Prevention Unit (EAPU) promotes the right of older people to live free from abuse. The unit is funded by the Department of Families to provide a state-wide service to respond to the abuse of older people in Queensland and operates under the auspice of Lifeline Brisbane. The EAPU provides information and support to victims, their families and friends and service providers. You can phone the EAPU Helpline on 1300 651 192 (cost of local call anywhere in Queensland). You can also email EAPU at eapu@lccq.org.au
Bravehearts Inc (formerly People's Alliance against Child Sexual Abuse) is a community-based organisation which provides assistance and advocacy for victims of child sexual abuse. Services provided include counselling and self-help groups; 'White Balloon Day', a public awareness and child protection initiative; Child Assault Disclosure Scheme (CADS), a means for anonymous yet official disclosure of assault as well as advocacy on behalf of parents and survivors. For counselling, advocacy and support you can phone the head office on (07) 3290 4474 or email admin@bravehearts.org.au
Protect All Children Today (PACT) is a community, volunteer-based, non-government organisation which has established the Child/Young Person Witness Support Program. The CWSP provides support for abused and neglected children who are required to give evidence in criminal court. Volunteers support the child/young person and their family through the process of giving evidence including familiarisation with the court environment, the roles of the people in the court and assistance in identifying and making special arrangements for child witnesses. To contact PACT phone (07) 3290 0111 or email pact@pact.org.au
