Understanding Support Pathways
Voice for Victims Foundation provides direct support for certain serious violent offences where there are limited pathways available.
For other types of crime, there may be specialist organisations or services better placed to assist.
The information below outlines some common offence types and where support may be available.
If you’re unsure what applies to your situation, you can still contact us and we’ll help you work out the next step.
Domestic and family violence
Domestic and family violence includes physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, financial or coercive behaviour by a current or former partner, family member or someone in a close personal relationship.
Support for domestic and family violence is provided through dedicated specialist services.
If you need immediate help:
- DVConnect Womensline, 1800 811 811 – available 24/7
- DVConnect Mensline, 1800 600 636 – 9am to midnight, 7 days
- 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) – available 24/7
You can also explore domestic and family violence services on our Other Support Services page.
Sexual assault and sexual violence
Sexual assault and sexual violence include any unwanted sexual act, attempt or behaviour, regardless of whether the offender is known to the victim.
There are specialist services that provide confidential counselling, medical and legal support.
Support options include:
- 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) – available 24/7
- WWILD (for victims with intellectual or learning disabilities)
You can also explore other sexual assault services on our Other Support Services page.
Robbery and armed robbery
Robbery involves the use or threat of force to steal property, including armed robbery where a weapon is involved. This typically occurs in public places or commercial settings.
Unlike unlawful entry with violence, robbery does not usually involve someone breaking into a home or premises to commit the offence.
Victims may experience shock, fear and ongoing safety concerns following these offences.
Support may be available through victim assistance schemes, counselling services and police-referred supports, such as:
You can search for other relevant services via our Other Support Services page.
Motor vehicle theft and offences involving stolen vehicles
Motor vehicle theft involves the unlawful taking or use of a vehicle without the owner’s consent. This can include theft from private property or public places.
In some cases, people are also harmed when stolen vehicles are involved in crashes, dangerous driving or other offences. These incidents can cause physical injury, property damage and significant emotional distress – even when the victim was not the original target of the offence.
Support pathways can vary depending on the circumstances, including whether there was violence, injury or ongoing safety concerns.
You can start by checking out:
For people who’s vehicle been stolen, Queensland Police Service have a Towing of Motor Vehicles Scheme. You can email them at towing.state@police.qld.gov.au
Other relevant support and information can be found through our Other Support Services page.
Where a vehicle is taken using force, threats or violence against a person – often referred to as car-jacking – this is treated differently and may fall under unlawful entry with violence.
If you’ve experienced a violent car-jacking, you can find more information on our Unlawful Entry with Violence page.
Fraud, scams and financial crime
Fraud and scams involve deception for financial gain, including identity theft, online scams and financial exploitation.
These offences can cause significant stress, financial loss and long-term impacts.
Reporting and support options include:
Further information is available through our Other Support Services page.
Stalking and harassment
Stalking and harassment involve repeated unwanted contact, monitoring or behaviour that causes fear or distress.
Support may include safety planning, legal advice and counselling.
Support options include:
There are some legal services that may also be able to assist, including:
- Community Legal Centres Queensland, 07 3392 0092
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Intersex Legal Service, 07 3124 7160
- Queensland Indigenous Family Violence Legal Service (QIFVLS), 1800 88 77 00
Other relevant support services can be found on our Other Support Services page.
Homicide and loss due to crime
Homicide includes murder and manslaughter and refers to offences resulting in the death of a person.
Families and loved ones affected by homicide often require specialised, long-term support.
There are specialist services available for families bereaved by crime.
Support options include:
You can find other relevant organisations through our Other Support Services page.
Other criminal offences
This includes offences not listed above, such as:
- Property damage
- Threats and intimidation
- Weapons offences
- Other violent or non-violent crimes
Support pathways vary depending on the nature of the offence and individual circumstances.
Our Other Support Services page can help you identify relevant services.
