If you have witnessed a crime or were harmed by a crime in any way, you can make a report to police with confidence that you will be supported.
Who is a victim of crime
Crime can affect people in many ways. It can be through a physical, psychological or psychiatric injury, or a loss or damage to property.
A victim of crime is anyone who has been adversely affected by a crime. This includes:
- a person who has suffered injury as result of a crime
- a family member of a person who suffered injury as a result of a crime
- a witness to a crime.
A person is considered a victim of crime regardless of the severity of the crime.
Types of harm
The harm or injury suffered as a victim of a crime can be:
- physical
- mental
- emotional
- financial.
How you may feel after a crime
Regardless of whether the crime was serious or seemingly minor, you may feel:
- emptiness
- anxiety
- sleeplessness
- exhaustion
- depression
- guilt
- anger
- grief
- feeling deserted
- symptoms of illness.
Everyone reacts and deals with their feelings in their own way.
The following are some tips that may help you:
- talk about how you feel with someone you trust
- eat regularly and nutritiously
- make sure you get physical exercise
- limit the use of alcohol and drugs.
There are a range of support services available to support victims of crime and their families at this time.
How Victoria Police supports victims of crime
Victims are at the centre of our approach. We aim to provide all victims with the services that work for them.
We have an obligation to treat victims and persons impacted by crime in line with the principles outlined in the Victims Charter Act 2006.
All justice agencies, including Victoria Police, must:
- treat victims with courtesy, respect and dignity
- have regard to victims who experience disadvantage
- provide information about services, entitlements and help
- communicate with the victims in a way that recognises their preferences and needs
- protects victims’ personal information.
Victoria Police has specific obligations when communicating with victims of crime. We will:
- keep you informed about the progress of the investigation
- handle your possessions in a way that is lawful, secure and respectful
- return your items as soon as possible.
Making a report to police
We understand that you might be worried or afraid to report a crime. We can talk to you about how to report a crime without making a formal statement.
For urgent police attention or if you wish to report an offence call Triple Zero (000).
You can report a crime after the offender has left the scene:
- through our Online Reporting service or call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444
- anonymously to Crime Stoppers online or by calling 1800 333 000.
If you are upset or anxious about reporting a crime, you can have a trusted person with you for support.
What to expect once you report a crime
As a victim of crime, we will treat you with courtesy, dignity and respect.
You can expect us to:
- explain the investigation process to you in a way you can understand
- inform you of your entitlements and the services available to support you
- ask you if you want to stay informed about the progress of your case
- ask how you would like us to contact you
- recommend and refer you to support services if you need them.
You will have access to services that align with your legal rights as a victim of crime in Victoria. All the information you need will be provided on the page after you report a crime to police.
You also have access to the PDF A victim’s guide to support services and the criminal justice system (Victim’s guide).
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