I don't speak English well — can I still report to the police?

Yes. When reporting to police, you have the right to request a free interpreter. Before calling, you can first phone the interpreting service TIS National (131 450) and ask them to connect you to police through an interpreter in your own language; you can also request an interpreter when visiting a police station or giving a statement. Don't put off reporting because of language.

Can I apply for compensation even if the offender hasn't been caught or convicted?

In many states, yes. Most state schemes, such as the NSW Victims Support Scheme and the VIC Financial Assistance Scheme, do not require the offender to be caught or convicted as a condition ; typically you just need to establish that you were the victim of a violent crime, for example through a police report record (event number). Detailed requirements vary by state, so check your state's official guidance.

What is the deadline for applying for victims compensation?

It varies by state, but is usually within 2–3 years of the incident. For example, in NSW, financial assistance and recognition payments must in principle be applied for within 2 years (this can be extended for child victims, domestic violence and similar), while counselling support in NSW can be applied for with no deadline. Even if the deadline is close or has passed, don't give up — contact your state's victim support agency first.

What is an event number and what do I do if I lose it?

It is the unique number police assign when they record your report, and it is essential for insurance claims, victims compensation applications and checking the progress of an investigation. Take a photo of the number you receive by text, email or in writing right after reporting, and keep it. If you lose it, you can confirm it again by giving your name and the date and time of the report to the police station where you reported or to the Police Assistance Line (131 444).

What kind of help can I actually get from victim support services?

State victim support agencies provide free phone counselling, referrals to psychological counselling, safety planning, court accompaniment and guidance through court procedures, and for victims of violent crime they also run financial assistance covering things like treatment costs, counselling costs and loss-of-income support. In NSW you can contact the Victims Access Line (1800 633 063), and in VIC the Victims of Crime Helpline (1800 819 817).

Australian crime victim support — reporting process, state victim services and compensation schemes - Tasmania

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Victims of crime support — reporting process, state services and compensation schemes

So you're not left panicking after becoming a victim of crime — a calm walkthrough from distinguishing the emergency and non-emergency reporting routes, to managing your event number and applying for state victim support services and compensation.

Support for crime victims in Australia — what's available

Australia has a well-established public support system for crime victims. Every state and territory has a victim support agency (such as Victims Services) providing free counselling, safety planning and court accompaniment, and there are victims compensation schemes (victims compensation / financial assistance) that help victims of violent crime with treatment costs, counselling costs and loss of income. Importantly, this support is not just for citizens. Holders of temporary visas — tourists, students, working holiday makers — can report and receive support in exactly the same way, and reporting a crime does not disadvantage your visa. This guide covers the steps that come 'after' the emergency response (000) — reporting, connecting with support, applying for compensation and taking part in court. For domestic violence, see the domestic violence guide, and for financial scams, see the scam prevention guide as well.

Emergency 000 vs non-emergency 131 444 — choosing your reporting route

000 (Triple Zero) is the emergency number to use only when there is a threat to life or a crime is happening right now. Report incidents that have already happened (theft, vehicle damage, etc.) to the Police Assistance Line 131 444 (24 hours) or through your state police's online reporting portal. To report information about an offender anonymously, you can use Crime Stoppers (1800 333 000). Whatever the route, if English is difficult you can be connected to a free interpreter through TIS National (131 450).

The police reporting process — from statement to event number

When you report, police record the details of the incident and take your statement. Just explain calmly when and where it happened, what occurred, and whether there is any evidence such as witnesses, CCTV or photos. Accuracy matters in a statement, so if your English isn't perfect, be sure to request a free interpreter — requesting an interpreter is a guaranteed right and does not disadvantage how your report is handled. Once the report is recorded, police assign an event number (report/reference number, depending on the state).

Why the event number matters

The event number is the key to every step that follows. Insurance claims, victims compensation applications and checking the progress of an investigation are all done using this number, so as soon as you receive it, photograph it or note it down and keep it in at least two places. When reporting online, the number is often included in the confirmation email.

Check that you have recorded and kept the event number and the name and contact details of the officer in charge.

Victims compensation (financial assistance) — requirements and what to prepare

Every state and territory runs a compensation / financial assistance scheme for victims of violent crime. Support items are typically psychological counselling costs, treatment costs, loss-of-income support, emergency living expenses and, in some states, a recognition payment. Contrary to a common misconception, in many states you can apply even if the offender hasn't been caught or convicted; you just need to establish that you were a victim, for example through a police report record. Application deadlines vary by state and are usually within 2–3 years of the incident (they are often extended for child victims, domestic violence and similar, and NSW's counselling support has no deadline).

Police report record and event number — a basic requirement for applying in most states.
Proof of harm — medical certificates and records, counselling records, receipts, and proof of loss of income (payslips, etc.).

State victim support services

The names, scope of support and deadlines of victim support agencies and compensation schemes differ from state to state. The following are representative examples — confirm the latest information on your state's official website.

NSW — Victims Services

Connect with counselling and support on the Victims Access Line 1800 633 063. Through the Victims Support Scheme you can apply for counselling, immediate financial assistance, support for financial loss and a recognition payment.

VIC — Victims of Crime

Operates the Victims of Crime Helpline 1800 819 817. Since November 2024, the Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS), which replaced the court-based VOCAT, allows you to apply for compensation online without attending court.

QLD — Victim Assist Queensland

An agency under the Queensland Department of Justice that provides financial assistance to victims of violent crime, such as counselling and treatment costs. Confirm the application requirements and deadlines on the official website.

WA, SA and other states and territories

WA runs the Criminal Injuries Compensation scheme, and SA, TAS, ACT and NT each have their own victim support and compensation schemes. Because the names and deadlines all differ, search 'victims of crime' on each state government (.gov.au) website to confirm.

Step-by-step checklist after reporting

Reporting isn't the end. Taking care of the following five things will make the later compensation application and court process much smoother.

Keep the event number and the officer's contact details safe — photograph them and store them in at least two places, such as the cloud.
Check the progress of the investigation — give your event number to the police station or officer in charge and ask about progress (for online reports, use the enquiry method advised at the time of lodging).

Cautions and common mistakes

The following are things victims often miss. Knowing them in advance can prevent unnecessary loss.

Confusing the emergency and non-emergency routes — you shouldn't call 000 for an incident that's already over, but conversely, if danger is in progress, don't hesitate to call 000.
Missing the application deadline — compensation applications usually have a 2–3 year deadline. Many people put it off thinking 'I'll do it later' and miss the deadline, so contact the support agency right after reporting.

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