Crime Victims Assistance

Crime Victims Assistance

Victims of violent offences, in the Northern Territory, are eligible to apply for CVA. (Or compensation).  This financial support was initiated by the NT Government to assist victims of crime in regaining control of their lives.

Who can get this assistance?
You may apply for the financial assistance from the NT Government if you are:

  • A victims of an offence and you are/were physically or mentally injured,
  • A dependant relative of a person killed as a result of an offence and you have suffered financial loss, or
  • A widow/er, defacto partner, or parent of a child under 18 years killed as a result of an offence and have suffered grief

Being a victim of a violent act also includes someone injured because they:

·                  Are present at the scene and witness the offence;

·                  Try to rescue another person or

·                  Try to stop the violent act from taking place

A claim for assistance can be made whether or not a person has been charged or convicted of the offence. 
The scheme only applies for offences committed in the Northern Territory.
To be eligible you must have reported the crime to the police and assisted them in the crime’s investigation and the prosecution of the offender(s).

You may be refused assistance if the violent act cannot be proved.

 

Financial Assistance Payments
Financial assistance is available for:

·                  Injuries received as a result of a violent act, including psychological injuries

·                  Loss of earnings;

·                  Medical expenses you have paid, or will need to pay; and

·                  Other expenses such as the cost of travel to medical appointments and damage to your personal items.

 

How do I make an Application?
Application forms are free and there is no charge for lodging an application.

You should make your application for assistance within 24 months from the date that the offence was committed.  If this period has expired, your application may still be considered depending on your reasons for the delay.  Adults who have experienced abuse as a child may apply for assistance beyond this timeframe due to their age at the time of the offence.

 

You can request an application form by

Phoning: 1800 460 363 (or (08) 89357777 for interstate callers)

Writing to: Crime Victims Services Unit, GPO Box 1722, Darwin, NT, 0801

Emailing: cvsu.doj@nt.gov.au

Visiting: The unit at Old Admirilty House, 68 The Esplanade, Darwin.

 

Guidelines for amounts available
You can claim up to $10 000 for financial loss (out of pocket expenses) and up to $40 000 if you were injured as a result of a violent act. The total amount you receive will depend apon the extent of your injuries and the losses you have suffered.

 

How long does it take?
Generally, the time taken from lodgement of the claim until the day it is finalised varies from2 months to 7 months.