DVSC CEO Sue Webeck says victim-survivors should make their applications before 1 July. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
CONTENT WARNING: This article refers to domestic violence.
As the amount of compensation that can be paid to victims of crime will soon be reduced for some applicants, the Domestic Violence Crisis Service (DVCS) is urging survivors to apply under the current criteria while they still can.
Several compensation types are available for victims of crimes through Victim Support ACT, but guidelines for the recognition payment will be revised from Tuesday (1 July).
One change is that aggravation is being removed from assessments for the recognition payment and will no longer be a factor that entitles a victim to greater compensation.
DVCS CEO Sue Webeck said people who had experienced family and domestic violence would be affected by this criterion change.
“Currently, the legislation for financial assistance means victims can be paid more depending on the nature of the crime or if it was related to a series of other offences,” she said.
“This has been particularly important for people experiencing domestic violence who are very often subject to repeated patterns of behaviour by the same person, and who can experience significant psychological and physical injury.”
A DVCS spokesperson said other changes would mean victims might be entitled to a lower payment for offences that occurred before 2016 as well as for applications related to multiple offences.
The psychological impact of the recognition payment could not be understated, they said.
“We hope the ACT Government considers policy responses after 1 July that mean assessments for the recognition payment can continue to give due weight to specific and serious circumstances of people experiencing domestic and family violence,” the spokesperson said.
The Acting Victims of Crime Commissioner, Margie Rowe, said she was advocating to the ACT Government to further amend the recognition payment structure in the Victims of Crime Financial Assistance Scheme.
“My view is that there should be specific payments for victims who have experienced repeated violence by the same perpetrator, recognising the unique harm this causes, especially in the context of family, domestic and sexual violence,” she said.
DVCS program support manager Sarah Gillett, DVCS CEO Sue Webeck, then-Victim Support ACT senior director Margie Rowe and ACT Policing Family Violence and Vulnerable Persons Act Supt Dave Williams, pictured in 2023. Photo: Claire Fenwicke.
The DVCS spokesperson said the recognition payment existed due to an understanding that for a victim-survivor, being seen for their unique story could be life-changing.
“While no payment amount will ever undo the psychological, economic and social harm someone has experienced, we must always be mindful of not oversimplifying processes and diminishing the lived experience of victim-survivors,” they said.
A spokesperson for the ACT Government said the government was streamlining the Financial Assistance Scheme to reduce delays and improve support for victims.
They said the upcoming changes reflected the findings of an independent review, which found the previous model – especially the use of ‘circumstances of aggravation’ – created complexity and led to longer wait times for victims seeking recognition payments.
“The updated system introduces a flat-rate recognition payment structure, making it simpler and faster for victims to access support,” they said.
“This change is not about reducing support but improving fairness and efficiency across cases. It will allow Victim Support ACT to process applications more quickly, getting help to those who need it sooner.”
The current criteria apply for any applications filed before 1 July, even if they haven’t been assessed yet.
Ms Webeck encouraged anyone looking for a recognition payment to put in their application before the end of the month if they wanted to make sure it was considered under the current guidelines.
If you need support in making an application, DVCS may be able to assist. You can contact the service by calling 6280 0900 or you can visit its website by clicking here.
For more details on how to apply for the financial assistance, click this link.
The government spokesperson said in addition to the flat-rate recognition payment, from 1 July the government will:
- Restore eligibility for victims of serious offences committed before 2016 to ensure victims of historic offences are treated consistently with those affected by similar crimes today
- Maintain access to other forms of assistance, such as up to $10,000 in immediate need payments for safety upgrades, relocation or emergency medical costs, as well as up to $30,000 for economic loss
- Continue free access to therapeutic supports, including counselling, advocacy and court support
- Introduce annual indexation (CPI) for service provider fees and payment limits, ensuring support keeps pace with inflation.
If this story has raised any concerns for you, 1800RESPECT, the national 24-hour sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line, can be contacted on 1800 737 732 or by visiting www.1800respect.org.au. Help and support are also available through the Canberra Rape Crisis Centre on 02 6247 2525, the Domestic Violence Crisis Service ACT 02 6280 0900, the Sexual Violence Legal Services on 6257 4377 and Lifeline on 13 11 14. In an emergency, call triple zero.
