Recognising and acknowledging the harm done to victims of crime helps victims to heal. Victims of crime who receive financial help from the Financial Assistance Scheme can receive recognition on behalf of the State of Victoria.
It's important to recognise and sincerely acknowledge the harm done to crime victims—it helps in healing.
Victims of crime who receive financial assistance from the Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS) can choose to receive a recognition statement on behalf of the state of Victoria, acknowledging the effects of the violent act and expressing the state’s condolences.
Victim Recognition Statements
The purpose of a recognition statement is to acknowledge the effects of the violent act on the victim.
Meaningful acknowledgment of the harm caused and feeling validated can be an important and significant step towards recovery for victims of violent crimes and their loved ones.
Request a recognition statement
You can request a recognition statement after you receive the final notice of decision. The final notice of decision will include information about how to get a recognition statement.
Timing
A victim has 10 years to request a recognition statement from the date the final decision is made.
Recognition meetings
FAS can also arrange recognition meetings for victims of crime who are seeking further opportunity to have their harm recognised and acknowledged, as part of their healing journey.
Recognition meetings are available for related victims who have received financial assistance, after they have received their Victim Recognition Statement.
The FAS will usually only hold 2 meetings for each family group.
Recognition meetings are held online or in Melbourne CBD.
The meetings will:
- be held after financial assistance has been awarded
- provide victims with an opportunity to have their experience acknowledged and for an appropriate representative to express their condolences on behalf of the state.
- be held in a culturally safe manner.
Request a recognition meeting
Eligible victims can request a recognition meeting up to 10 years after receiving their notice of decision.
Applicants must let FAS know:
- what they want the meeting to focus on
- what they may not want to cover in the meeting
- who they would like to attend the meeting with them.
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