The Victims Rights and Support Act 2013 (NSW) plays a vital role in supporting and promoting the rights of victims of crime in NSW. PIAC made a submission to the statutory review of the Act undertaken by the Department of Communities and Justice based on the experience of PIAC Homeless Persons’ Legal Service. HPLS provides legal assistance to people experiencing homelessness or at risk who have been victims of crime.
The policy objectives of the Act to provide timely support to victim-survivors, to recognise the harm and trauma caused, and to provide financial support and rehabilitation remain valid. There are opportunities, however, to improve the accessibility and transparency of the Victims Support Scheme. PIAC advocates for a trauma informed and victim-survivor centric scheme that is easily accessible.
Concurrently with the statutory review of the Act, PIAC is advocating for the immediate removal of the requirement to separately prove injury in NSW Victims Support applications, along with 75 other organisations and 14 individuals.
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