LIMESTONE Coast residents who require help with victim impact statements are advised to speak to police or phone the Adelaide-based Commissioner for Victims’ Rights to discuss support options following the closure of the Victim Support Service.
The support service – which provided help to people affected by crime – was defunded by the State Government following the appointment of a new contract.
As a result, the state’s peak victim advocacy service announced it would close the doors of the Mount Gambier office as of July 1.
Support services – including the Court Companion Service and face-to-face help with victim compensation payments and complete victim impact statements – will end.
The State Opposition has raised concerns about a service gap in the Limestone Coast as new provider Relationships Australia South Australia has been funded to provide therapeutic counselling to victims.
But Acting Commissioner for Victims’ Rights Sarah Quick said she was committed to ensuring victims receive they support they need during this transition period.
“The Attorney-General announced an additional $250,000 a year for the Commissioner for Victims’ Rights to act as a central point of contact for victims seeking assistance and support,” she said.
“The funding is intended to include measures to support victims throughout the court process and to prepare victim impact statements.”
Ms Quick said she was currently exploring how best to deliver support for victims throughout the court process and to prepare victim impact statements and was mindful that victims in regional areas deserve equal access to support and services.
“I have started consultation with key stakeholders to inform the development of these supports,” she said.
Ms Quick was unable to provide a timeline as to when victim support services would be rolled out in its new form, but said people in need of help could contact the police investigating officer or contact the commissioner’s office.
Despite initially claiming the changes stemmed from a duplication in services, Ms Chapman announced $250,000 a year in ongoing funding for the commissioner’s office to act as a central point of contact for victims seeking help.
Ms Chapman said making the commissioner’s office a central coordination point for victims, with counselling to be offered through Relationships Australia South Australia – would ensure victims had easier access to services.
When questioned in parliament, Ms Chapman said the commissioner was working with SA Police particularly on victim impact statements in regional areas.
