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If life is in danger call 000

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.

Being a victim of a crime can be traumatising and have a very direct impact on a person's wellbeing. It can be financially costly and inconvenient; create physical injuries or issues; and can create strong psychological and emotional reactions to the experience. Each person will react, respond and cope in different ways. You can recover and thrive after being a victim of a crime.

Experiences and signs you 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  • Becoming withdrawn and isolated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 difficult thoughts or feelings

If you, or someone you care for is experiencing distress after being a victim of crime, 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 (6pm-midnight AEST, 7 nights). We are here to listen.

Support services and resources

NSW

Visit: Victim Services

VIC

Visit: Victims of Crime

WA

Visit: Victims of Crime

SA

Visit: Victim SA

NT

Visit: Support for Victims of Crime

TAS

Visit: Victims of Crime

ACT

Visit: Victim Support

1800 RESPECT

1800RESPECT is the national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service.

Visit: 1800 Respect

Blue Knot Foundation

National centre of excellence for complex trauma. If you have experienced childhood trauma, you can speak with a Blue Knot Helpline trauma counsellor including for support and applications around national redress

Visit: Blue Knot Foundation

Watch video

Holding on to Hope - Cameron's Story

We’ve all seen the stories of women who are the victims of domestic violence but we rarely hear the voices of the children who are impacted.

Growing up, Cameron not only suffered the loneliness of trying to make sense of his parents’ violent relationship but also the after effects of a devious sexual abuse at the hands of a stranger.  His is a story of survival, revived faith in humanity and a passion for music that has helped him find a new hopeful future.