VICTIMS ASSISTANCE AND COUNSELLING PROGRAM is a program to assist victims of crime. The program is designed to assist victims to overcome the negative effects of the trauma of crime. It provides:
Information about:
-- The police
-- Court processes
-- Victims rights
-- Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal Applications
-- Support agencies and services
The program also provides:
-- Counselling
-- Advocacy
-- Practical Support
-- Court Support
Crimes may include:
Assault, rape, aggravated robbery, stalking, homicide, aggravated burglary, child abuse, culpable driving, domestic violence, other crimes not listed.
Recovering from Crime
After experiencing a crime you may experience difficulty in continuing your daily activities. Here are some suggestions that may help you to cope:
* Consult your doctor and have your health assessed
* Contact friends
* Try to rest as much as possible
* Arrange for someone to stay with you for periods of time each day.
* If possible, maintain a normal schedule of activities
* Eat regular meals
* Express your feelings
* Maintain regular physical activity
Contact: Victims are encouraged to contact the Victims Assistance Helpline 8am-11pm Monday to Friday on 1800 819 817
or ring one of the local Loddon Mallee offices below, where they will be directed to the nearest VCAP office that will arrange an appointment or Outreach service, or provide a telephone counselling and referral service:
• Bendigo - St Lukes, Bendigo. Phone 5448 1000
• Castlemaine - St Lukes, Castlemaine. Phone 5470 6266
• Echuca - St Lukes, Echuca. Phone 5480 1120
• Kyneton - St Lukes, Kyneton. Phone 5421 2000
• Maryborough - St Lukes, Maryborough. Phone 5460 4144
• Swan Hill - St Lukes, Swan Hill. Phone 5032 1205 (for southern towns of Gannawarra and Buloke)
• OR - Sunraysia Community Health Services, Mildura. Phone 5022 5400 (for the Rural City Councils of Mildura and Swan Hill, and northern towns of Gannawarra and Buloke).
24 hour/ After Hours Crisis Numbers
Police - 000
Lifeline - 131 114
National Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Helpline - 1800 200 526
Centre Against Sexual Assault [CASA] - 1800 806 292
Child Proctection (After hours Services) - 13 12 78
Domestic Violence Crisis - 1800 015 188
Other Useful Contact Numbers
Emergency Accommodation and Support Enterprise [EASE] - 5443 4945
Centre Against Sexual Assault [CASA] - 5441 0430
Child Protection (B/H) - 1800 688 009
Victorian Legal Aid - 1800 677 402
Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service - (03) 9419 3888
Witness Assistance Service - 1800 641 927
Domestic Violence Crisis - 1800 015 188
Bendigo Law Courts - 5440 4140
Victims Assistance Program - 1800 819 817
St Luke's Toll Free landlines (small charge for mobiles) -1800 244 323