Support for victims of crime

If a crime is happening or has just happened, you should call triple zero (000) immediately.

If you’re a victim of crime or have witnessed a crime, support is available to you. 

Reporting a crime to the police

If you are a victim of or witness to a crime, you should report the incident to the police as soon as possible. This can prevent valuable evidence from being lost or destroyed. It may also help police to locate the offender and prevent another person from being harmed. Police are able to support you through what can be a very distressing event.

In an emergency

You should phone Triple Zero (000): 

• if a crime is happening now or has just happened
• your life or property is being threatened
• someone is seriously injured or in need of urgent medical help.

If you have a speech or hearing disability, you can access the Triple Zero (000) service via the National Relay Service. Phone 106 for text-based communication over the phone.

Non-urgent incidents

If you need police assistance, but it’s not an emergency, phone Policelink on 131 444 (24 hours, 7 days).

You can also visit your local police station to report the incident or report it online. 

If you prefer to report a crime anonymously, phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 (24 hours, 7 days).

Examples of non-urgent incidents include:

• property damage
• stealing
• break and enter
• stolen vehicle
• lost property.

Charter of Victims' Rights

On 2 September 2024, the Charter of Victims’ Rights moved to the Victims’ Commissioner and Sexual Violence Review Board Act 2024. 

The Office of the Victims’ Commissioner has detailed information to help victims of violent crime understand their rights.

The Charter underscores the commitment of all Queensland Government agencies, including Queensland Police Service, to treating all victims of violent crime with consistency and care, minimising the risk of further trauma.

People have rights if they suffered harm because:

• someone committed a violent crime against them
• they are a family member or dependant of someone who died or suffered harm because a crime was committed against them
• they are a family member of an unborn child who died because of a violent crime
• they were hurt while helping someone else who was being harmed because of violent crime.

From 2 September 2024, if a victim believes their rights under the Charter have not been upheld, they can:

•  make a complaint to the agency that they believe didn’t uphold their right or
•  make a complaint to the Office of the Victims’ Commissioner who can:
  • request information from agencies
  • refer a matter to be dealt with by an agency
  • seek to resolve complaints
  • recommend improvements to agencies’ practices, policies or systems
  • monitor and evaluate actions taken in response to recommendations.

Support for victims of crime

Support services are available for victims of many types of crime in Queensland, including domestic violence and sexual assault. If you need support, the following services may be able to help you.

Lifeline

If you are experiencing emotional distress, you can access Lifeline’s 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention service.

• phone 13 11 14
• text 0477 131 114
• chat to someone online.

Victim Connect

Victim Connect provide free and confidential counselling to help you recover from the emotional and psychological impacts of experiencing or witnessing a violent crime.

• Phone 1300 318 940 (24 hours)
• Victim Connect website.

Other support services in your area

Other support services are available. You can use this directory to search for support in your area or support that is specific to your needs. 

Domestic and family violence (DFV)

Domestic or family violence occurs when one person in a relationship uses violent or abusive behaviour to control another. Learn more about how to recognise the signs of DFV and the support services available to you. 

Sexual violence

Sexual violence can happen to anyone, and it is never your fault. You are not alone. You can contact the Sexual Assault Helpline for support from a team of specialist counsellors. You can choose to remain anonymous.

• Phone 1800 010 120
• Sexual Assault Helpline website
• Further information for victims of sexual assault.

Property and motor vehicle crime 

We understand it is upsetting to have something you own stolen or damaged. If you need emotional support, you can contact Lifeline:

• phone 13 11 14
• text 0477 131 114
• chat to someone online.

To replace stolen or damaged property, you should contact your personal insurer. 

If you are facing financial hardship, you can also contact the National Debt Helpline:

• Phone 1800 007 007

Financial assistance for victims of violent crime

Victim Assist Queensland provides financial assistance to victims of violent crime in Queensland to help them recover. Victim Assist can only provide financial assistance to victims of violent crime, including domestic violence, who were injured by another person or due to dangerous driving (person on person crime). 

Victim Assist may also be able to provide financial assistance to witnesses of violent crime, parent secondary victims, or close relatives of a victim who died due to violence. Learn more about who Victim Assist can help.

Victim Assist may be able to provide:

• financial assistance to help you recover, including reimbursing you for some expenses
• information and referrals to other victim support services 
• information about court processes and help writing a victim impact statement
• information about your rights as a victim.

Victim Assist cannot:

• provide financial assistance to victims of non-violent crime or a crime that did not result in an injury (e.g. property crime)
  • if you did not experience a violent crime and are facing financial hardship, contact the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007.

Learn more about Victim Assist Queensland and how to apply.