A primary victim is a person who is injured or passes away as a direct result of a violent act committed against them. A secondary victim is a person who is present at the scene of a violent act and who is injured as a direct result of witnessing that act, or a parent or guardian of a child victim. A related victim is a person who was a close family member, a dependant, or had an intimate personal relationship with a loved one who passed away because of a violent act.
Applicants should read further details on the topics relevant to them to understand more about the definitions of primary, secondary, and related victims.
Primary victims, secondary victims, related victims and applicants for funeral expenses must apply to the FAS within the following time limits:
| Age of victim at the time of the violent act | Nature of violent act | Time limit to apply |
|---|---|---|
Adult (18 years old or over at the time of the violent act)
| 10 years from the date of the last violent act | |
| Adult (18 years old or over at the time of the violent act) | All other types of offending (not involving sexual offences or family violence) | 3 years from the date of the last violent act |
Child (younger than 18 years)
| Family violence | No time limit to apply |
| Child (younger than 18 years) | All other types of offending (not involving child abuse or family violence). | Applicant must apply before turning 21 years old |
✅ Eligible for the FAS Example: Ingrid is a victim-survivor of family violence perpetrated by her ex-partner. Ingrid experienced multiple assaults by her partner since she was 18 years old. The last assault occurred on 26 October 2022. Ingrid has 10 years from the date of the last violent act (until 26 October 2032), to apply to the FAS for assistance because the violent act involved family violence and the time limit is calculated from 26 October 2022. Ingrid applies to the FAS for financial assistance on 18 May 2027 and is within the time limits. |
Updated