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New service provides victims of crime with almost $2.2 million

The Bligh Government's new support service for victims of violent crimes is proving to be a success, with almost $2.2 million distributed to applicants in the first eight months of operation.

Attorney-General Cameron Dick said the new service, Victim Assist Queensland, was making it easier for victims of violent crime to get support sooner, helping them to recover from crime and get their lives back on track.

He said Victim Assist Queensland was the government's new assistance scheme for victims of violent crime, replacing the criminal injury compensation scheme.

"Since Victim Assist Queensland started operating on the 1st of December last year, it has received 756 applications for financial assistance," Mr Dick said.

"Of these, 334 applications - or more than 90 per cent of the 367 applications that have been assessed and finalised - have been approved for funding.

"Successful applicants have received a combined total of almost $2 .2 million in payments for goods and services to assist victims of crime to recover from their injuries and minimise the stress and trauma involved in the process.

"These payments have helped victims and witnesses get back on their feet as soon as possible after the crime, with some compensation going towards funeral arrangements.

"Just 10 applications have been rejected, because the applications did not meet the definitions outlined in the legislation.

"Another 23 were not approved for funding because the act of violence occurred before Victim Assist Queensland began and it was not covered under the transitional provisions of the Victims of Crime Assistance Act 2009."

Victim Assist Queensland's Victims LinkUp service also responded to 7054 enquiries in the first eight months of operation.

"An act of violence can have a devastating effect - often felt not only by the victim, but also by their family and friends," Mr Dick said.

Attorney-General and Minister for Industrial Relations
The Honourable Cameron Dick
06/09/2010

Permanent Link: New service provides victims of crime with almost $2.2 million
Publish Date: 06 Sep 10

Article Contact Details

Queensland Government, Department of Justice and Attorney-General :
GPO Box 149, Brisbane
Phone: 07 3239 3520
Fax: 07 3221 2534

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