17 May 2012

Ombudsman not happy with victims of crime assistance

| johnboy
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The ACT Ombudsman has savaged the operation of the Victims of Crime (Financial Assistance) Act 1983 here in Canberra:

Victims of violent crime in Canberra can face lengthy delays when applying for assistance under the Victims of Crime (Financial Assistance) Act 1983 (the Act), according to acting ACT Ombudsman Alison Larkins.

Ms Larkins today released the findings of her investigation into complaints about the handling of financial assistance applications made by two victims of sexual assault. Both victims experienced unreasonable delays, received unsatisfactory or inconsistent information, and were at a disadvantage in their capacity to negotiate.

The full report can be found here.

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Really Vocal don’t have much power, they couldn’t help us with the compensation, even the court counsellors couldn’t help, we contacted everywhere we could, in the end we took it to court, and won, this is just so ridiculous what you have to go through, especially when your going through the worse time in your life and also your loved ones.

Canberra really need a Homicide Victims Support Group, I support this 100%, the court counsellors are trying to get this up and running, I also will do my bit in writing a letter to Corbell or the Governor General, I found NSW to be excellent, the only problem is they don’t know Canberra Laws, as it’s different to most states, they know how to deal with homicide victims, and it also pays to see a forensic psychologist, you don’t have to wait a year to book into the Government, some private bulk bill with Medicare or better still Tapp.

# 3 Lookout Smithers

Your so right!

Lookout Smithers12:23 am 18 May 12

I-filed said :

Lookout Smithers said :

And then on top of all that you have unhealthy groups like VOCAL , a service for victims, run by victims. Professional victims. In a case that I know this group fed information to police without being asked for it. Atrocious tax waste.

Much needed organisation, much needed assistance. The VOC assistance is given out under very tight parameters – only serious cases (proven) are awarded, such as victims of violent assault or sexual violence, to a limit of $50,000. The assistance rehabilitates victims with injuries that affect their work, including mental injuries, and gets them back to being productive citizens.

Pain and suffering money doesn’t make the crime committed, uncommitted though. 50K isn’t much after 20k is for the funeral of your murdered loved one, then all the expenses that come with not working. Only that 50k is for all the victims, including the secondary ones who take on caring roles etc . But I would like to meet the one who dares ask for a slice of it not being an immediate family member. Luckily Vocal will council everyone and share private information so you can at least bitch about the fact that it is a dysfunctional package. All this before Vocal push any form of victim status on you. Pfft.. Councilors.

Lookout Smithers said :

And then on top of all that you have unhealthy groups like VOCAL , a service for victims, run by victims. Professional victims. In a case that I know this group fed information to police without being asked for it. Atrocious tax waste.

Much needed organisation, much needed assistance. The VOC assistance is given out under very tight parameters – only serious cases (proven) are awarded, such as victims of violent assault or sexual violence, to a limit of $50,000. The assistance rehabilitates victims with injuries that affect their work, including mental injuries, and gets them back to being productive citizens.

Lookout Smithers3:43 pm 17 May 12

And then on top of all that you have unhealthy groups like VOCAL , a service for victims, run by victims. Professional victims. In a case that I know this group fed information to police without being asked for it. Atrocious tax waste.

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