Support Toolkit

Victim of Crime

“Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.” Prof. Victor E. Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning, 1959.

Victim support

Being a victim of a crime can be traumatising and have a very direct impact on a person’s mind, body and wellbeing. People who have survived a crime such as (but not limited to) robbery, assault and abuse may have strong emotional and physical reactions to their experience. Each person will respond, react and cope in varying ways. It is important to remember that you can recover and thrive after being a victim of a crime with the right help and support.

Experiences and signs you or someone you care about may need support
- A sense of ‘reliving’ the crime, through intrusive thoughts, flashbacks or nightmares
- Avoiding reminders of the crime
- Becoming withdrawn and isolated
- Recurrent thoughts or memories of the crime
- Feeling numb
- Feeling irritable, angry or ‘wound up’
- Feeling low
- Crying easily
- Feeling ‘different’ or disconnected from others
- Changes to sleep or eating habits
- Increased use of alcohol or other substances to cope with the difficult thoughts or feelings
If you, or someone you care for is in need of support, please call Lifeline to speak to a trained Crisis Supporter on 13 11 14 (24 hours / 7 days) or text Lifeline on 0477 13 11 14 (24 hours / 7 days) or chat online (24 hours / 7 days).

We are here to listen.

Support services

NSW – Victim Services

NSW Victim Services supports people affected by crime with counselling, financial aid and justice.

Victoria – Victims of Crime

Victims of Crime Victoria helps people impacted by crime with support, advice and compensation.

QLD – Victims' Commissioner

The Victims’ Commissioner promotes the rights and fair treatment of crime victims in Queensland.

QLD – Victims and witnesses of crime

Support and information for victims and witnesses of crime to access justice and recovery.

WA – Commissioner for Victims of Crime

The Commissioner advocates for victims’ rights and improves services for people affected by crime.

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