Time limits now abolished for child victims of crime

Until recently victims of an act of violence have had two years to submit an application for assistance with the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal but with recent changes, victims of childhood abuse now don't have to worry about that time limit.

If the victim was under 18 years of age at the time of the crime an application may be made at any time.

Applications for extension can be made for any claims but for these victims, this is no longer required and although there are still criteria to meet, the removal of the time limit is a definite improvement on the previous scheme.

Legal advice is free

The crime must have occurred in Victoria and while it is preferable that a statement has been made to police, it is not necessary for an offender to have been identified or convicted before an application to the Tribunal is lodged.

Victims may be able to access funding for medical or counselling expenses, past and future, or they may have access to funds to assist in their recovery.

It does not cost anything for someone wishing to make an application for a payment under the victims of crime legislation. Legal fees are covered by the scheme, so my advice is legal help should be sought from any law firm, like ours, that specialises in preparing applications.

Our credentials

Our team at Ryan Carlisle Thomas has more than 20 years of experience in this area and has an understanding of what is expected by the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal. Clients are treated with respect and understanding.

The firm is a leader in this area of the law and lobbies hard to protect and extend benefits under the scheme. We also participate in consultation group meetings convened by the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal in order to give them feedback on improving the scheme’s operation.

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