About Us

Our Story

Voice for Victims Foundation was established in Brisbane following a serious home invasion in 2021 that exposed gaps in support for victims of crime. One of those directly affected was our founder, Ben Cannon.

As concerns about youth crime grew, it became clear that many victims were left without guidance or a clear place to turn. What began as a community-led response has since evolved into a registered charity providing structured, practical support to people affected by crime across Queensland.

Led by people with lived experience, the Foundation is shaped by a firsthand understanding of how confusing and overwhelming the aftermath of crime can be — and a commitment to improving responses for victims over time.

Our History

Who We Help

Voice for Victims Foundation supports people affected by crime across Queensland.

Anyone in Queensland can contact us. We provide comprehensive, ongoing support for victims of certain serious criminal offences where dedicated services are limited or unavailable, particularly in cases involving serious violent or property-related crime that often leave victims without a clear pathway to help after an incident.

People affected by other types of crime can also reach out. Where another specialist service is better placed to assist, we provide guidance and support a warm connection so victims are not left to navigate the system alone.

The level of practical assistance we are able to provide may vary depending on location, funding and the availability of local services, particularly in regional and remote areas. Regardless of location, our role is to reduce confusion after crime by helping victims understand their options, access appropriate support, and move forward with greater clarity and confidence.

If you are unsure where to start, start with us.

Where another specialist service is better placed to help, we’ll support a warm connection. Where no clear pathway exists, we step in - providing practical guidance, connection and ongoing support to victims of crime.

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How We Help

Voice for Victims Foundation supports people affected by crime by providing clear guidance, practical help and connection – particularly where victims are left without a clear pathway to support.

Guidance & Navigation

We help victims understand their options and navigate what comes next after crime, including police processes, Victims Assist Queensland applications, insurance matters and court-related pathways. This may involve explaining what to expect at different stages, assisting with the preparation of victim impact statements, and supporting victims through court processes — including attending court with them, or on their behalf where appropriate, to provide reassurance and practical guidance.

Practical Support

Where there is no other dedicated support available, we may provide practical, hands-on assistance to help address immediate needs following crime, guided by an assessment of individual circumstances, priorities and safety considerations. This may include assistance such as emergency locksmiths, crime scene cleaning, window or door repairs, short-term accommodation, meals, or other essential practical help. The type and level of assistance available depends on funding and local service availability and may vary across metropolitan and regional Queensland. In some cases, costs may be covered through insurance or other formal processes, and where relevant we can help victims understand and navigate those options, including applications for financial assistance.

Connection & Shared Experience

Many victims tell us that speaking with others who understand what they’ve been through can be deeply reassuring. Where appropriate, we help connect victims with others who have had similar experiences, so they feel less isolated and better supported as they move forward.

Support with Media & Public Attention

In some cases, victims may face unwanted media attention following a crime. Where needed, we can help victims understand their options, prepare for contact from media, and connect them with appropriate supports to manage public attention safely and confidently.

Beyond Direct Support

Alongside direct support, Voice for Victims Foundation works to improve how victims are understood and supported across the system. This includes contributing lived-experience insights, supporting education and training initiatives, and working collaboratively with services, agencies and policymakers to improve responses to victims of crime over time.

Advocacy & system improvement

We advocate for practical, constructive improvements to the way victims are treated and supported. Our advocacy is informed by lived experience and focuses on achievable changes that improve outcomes for victims over time.

This includes contributing to policy discussions, sharing insights from frontline experience, and working constructively with government and agencies to highlight gaps and improve responses for victims of crime.

Education & lived experience insight

We share lived experience insights to help services, organisations and decision-makers better understand the real-world impact of crime on victims.

This may include contributing to education and training initiatives, participating in forums or consultations, and supporting efforts to build more victim-aware and responsive systems.

Collaboration & partnerships

We work collaboratively with victim support services, community organisations, police and government agencies to improve coordination and reduce the likelihood of victims falling through the gaps.

Strong partnerships help ensure victims are connected to the right support at the right time, and that lived experience continues to inform better practice across the system.

Our Vision

A Queensland where every victim of crime has access to the support they need to move forward.

Our Mission

To provide practical, compassionate support to victims of crime, and to advocate for better systems and responses informed by lived experience.

Our Promise

We will always treat every victim with dignity, compassion and respect. We will listen, support you through what comes next, and help you find a way forward. You are not alone.

Our Board

Voice for Victims Foundation is led by a skills-based Board of Directors who bring lived experience of crime, deep professional expertise, and a shared commitment to ethical, trauma-informed service delivery.

The Board provides strategic oversight, ensures strong governance and accountability, and safeguards the independence and integrity of the Foundation. Together, they are responsible for ensuring Voice for Victims remains focused on what matters most – delivering safe, respectful and effective support for victims of crime.

Ben Cannon

Chair

Trudy Reading

Director & Chief Advocacy Officer

Dan Crowley

Director

John Park

Director

Natalie Merlehan

Director

Partners & Sponsors

Voice for Victims Foundation is supported by a growing network of partners and sponsors who believe victims of crime deserve clear pathways to support and recovery.

Through financial support, in-kind contributions and pro bono expertise, our partners help make practical support possible for victims and strengthen the Foundation’s ability to respond where gaps exist.

Become A Partner