Law, Investigations and Justice
Victim Assist Queensland – 1300 546 587
http://www.justice.qld.gov.au/justice-services/victims-of-crime
Victim Assist Queensland is the new Queensland Government assistance scheme for victims of crime in Queensland. Victim Assist Queensland commenced on 1 December 2009, replacing the previous criminal injury compensation schemes.
Victim Assist Queensland focuses on assisting the recovery of victims of crime who have been injured as a result of an act of violence.
Here is an important link for crime scene cleaning.
http://www.justice.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0018/152505/vaq-forensic-cleaning-factsheet-2012.pdf
Queensland Police Service (QPS); Police Head Quarters – 07 3364 6464
www.police.qld.gov.au
From the moment they are notified of a homicide, one or more Detectives will investigate the case. They are responsible for organizing forensic tests, interviewing and taking statements from witnesses, and ultimately compiling every shred of evidence on the case. The Detectives liaise with the family (encourage callers to write down the name and contact number for the Detective in their case) and keep them up to date with the progress of the case. Naturally, there will be some aspects of the case which must remain confidential – even to the family. However the Detective can explain the importance of this to the family for when it goes to trial.
The Department of Public Prosecutions; Brisbane DPP – 07 3239 3520
http://www.justice.qld.gov.au/odpp/
Once the case has been committed to trial (through the magistrates court), it will be handed over to the Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP). It may take between 12-18 months for the trial to commence after the committal hearing, and during this time the family will be appointed a Victim Liaison Officer (VLO). VLO’s are the conduit of information between the family, and the Prosecutor on their case. They are responsible for keeping the family informed of any mentions, alterations to the charges, applications by the accused to the mental health tribunal, or any acceptance of pleas.
Clinical and Statewide Services: Forensic and Scientific Services – 07 3274 9111
http://www.health.qld.gov.au/qhcss/qhss/coroner.asp
Forensic and Scientific Services (FSS) is Australia’s most comprehensive public health science facility based at Coopers Plains in Brisbane. They provide expert analysis, advice, teaching and research as a vital part of the government response to threats to public health and the environment, epidemics, civil emergencies, criminal investigations and coroners’ inquiries into reportable deaths. More than 260 scientists and 200 technicians and support staff work to deliver expert services through 14 laboratories and specialist units.
Victim Support Co-ordinator, Mental Health – 07 3834 1605
This role is to support victims of crime where the perpetrator has a mental illness, to assist in writing non party statements, court support, and with explaining and demystifying the mental health defence and forensic orders. This role additionally coordinates support and referral when required.
The Public Trustees – 07 3213 9288
www.pt.qld.gov.au
The Public Trustees are often called upon to mediate, or determine the distribution of assets following the death of a family member. They are commonly called upon if the deceased did not have a Last Will & Testament, or in the event of feuding or divided families. QHVSG do not provide advice regarding the distribution of assets, however the caller may find it helpful to contact the Public Trustees directly.
Legal Aid Queensland – 1300 651 188
http://www.legalaid.qld.gov.au/
Legal Aid provides free legal representation to anyone who meets the criteria of their merit-test. They can provide legal assistance and representation in areas of criminal; family; and civil law.
Victims’ Register – 1800 098 098
http://www.correctiveservices.qld.gov.au/about_us/victims_register
The Victims’ Register is a free service provided to the family of homicide victims by the Department of Corrective Services. This service keeps families informed of anything concerning the offender. For example, changes in their classification, in which prison they are located, and their eligibility for parole. This is a free, and excellent service which we recommend all families become registered with.
Support Australia
Commissioner for Victims’ Rights, South Australia; www.voc.sa.gov.au
Homicide Victims Support Group, New South Wales; http://www.hvsgnsw.org.au/
Homicide Victims Support Group, Western Australia; http://www.hvsg.org.au
Victoria Homicide Victims Support Group; http://www.victoriahomicide.com.au
Crime Victims’ Support (Victoria); http://www.cvsa.asn.au/
Homicide Victims Support South Australia; Ph (08) 8305 9670 Community Health – Victims Services Scheme (ACT); www.health.act.gov.au/c/health?a=da&did=10042279
Victims of Crime Northern Territory; http://www.victimsofcrime.org.au/
DV Connect; http://www.dvconnect.org/
Grief Link; http://grieflink.org.au/
Paradise Kids; http://www.paradisekids.org.au/
Beyond Blue; http://www.beyondblue.org.au/
Depression Net; http://depressionet.com.au/
Angel Hands; http://www.angelhands.org.au/
