Approved Counselling for Victims of Crime in NSW

The Victims Support Scheme provides counselling, financial assistance and a recognition payment to victims of an act of violence or act of modern slavery.  Counselling is intended to help you recover from the psychological and emotional impacts of a crime. Individuals approved can access up to 22 hours of free counselling. 

To learn more, visit www.victimsservices.justic.nsw.gov.au

Who can access the Victim Services Scheme NSW?

Anyone who has been injured due to an act of violence or an act of modern slavery that has occurred in NSW can apply, including: Primary victims, Secondary victims, Family victims, and relevant family members of homicide victims.

Eligibility criteria and time frames apply, and the type of support available will depend on an individual’s situation.  There is no time limit to apply for counselling. 

How do I apply?

If you are a primary victim applying for counselling only, use the Counselling Form.

If you are a primary victim and would like to apply for counselling and other support types, use the Primary Victims Form.

If you are a secondary victim, use the Counselling Form.

If you are a family victim, use the Family Member of Homicide Victim Form.

PDF application forms are also available. 

If you need help completing your application, you contact mariam@grief-talk.com.au or contact Victims Services. 

How much will I pay out-of-pocket?

'There is no out-of-pocket costs to access counselling under the Victims Services Initiative.

Our Victim Services Counsellor ~ Mariam Middleton.

Mariam has over 15 years of clinical experience, providing professional counselling and support to individuals, couples and children dealing with issues of adjustment to major life stress / events and life transitions.

As a Victim or Crime, it is natural to feel a range of mixed emotions to do with the self, relationships, safety and ongoing mental health. Mariam provides counselling and social work support for Victims of Crime in NSW (Including onsite critical incident debriefs). Her goal is to empower Victims with evidenced based information, support and a sense of certainty to more confidently tackle their daily lives.

Common areas Victim Services Counselling can help with:

As Victims Services Counsellors we adopt a trauma informed approach to help individuals cope with the aftermath of victimisation, rebuild their lives, and move forward in a healthy and empowered manner. Common areas that victim services counselling can help with include:

• Emotional Support: Victim services counsellors offer a safe and supportive environment for individuals to express their emotions, such as anger, sadness, fear, or confusion, related to their victimisation.

• Trauma Processing: Many victims of crime or abuse experience trauma. Counselling can help individuals process traumatic events, understand their impact on mental health, and develop coping strategies.

• Safety Planning: Counsellors can assist victims in developing safety plans to minimize the risk of future victimisation, especially in cases of domestic violence or stalking.

• Crisis Intervention: In the immediate aftermath of victimisation, individuals may experience a crisis. Victim services counsellors are trained to provide crisis intervention.

• Empowerment: Counselling can help victims regain a sense of control and empowerment in their lives after experiencing trauma or victimisation.

• Building Resilience: Victim services counselling focuses on building resilience and strengthening coping skills to help individuals navigate the challenges they face.

• Navigating Systems: Victims may need assistance in accessing support services, such as shelters, legal aid, medical care, or financial assistance. Counsellors can help navigate these systems.

• Addressing Secondary Trauma: Family members or loved ones of victims may also experience secondary trauma. Counselling can support these individuals in processing their emotions and providing effective support to the victim.

• Healing Relationships: Victimisation can strain relationships. Counsellors can assist in addressing conflicts, rebuilding trust, and improving communication within relationships.

• Education and Prevention: Victim services counselling often includes education about healthy relationships, boundary setting, risk reduction strategies, and recognising warning signs of abuse to prevent future victimisation.

• Community Support: Counsellors can connect victims with support groups, community resources, and advocacy organisations that can provide ongoing support and assistance.