Victorian Consolidated Legislation

Victims of Crime Assistance Act 1996 - SECT 8

Assistance available to primary victims

8. Assistance available to primary victims



(1) A primary victim may be awarded by the Tribunal assistance of up to $60
000 plus any special financial assistance awarded in accordance with section
8A.

(2) The amount awarded to a primary victim may be made up of amounts-

   (a)  for expenses actually incurred, or reasonably likely to be incurred,
        by the primary victim for reasonable counselling services;





   (b)  for medical expenses actually and reasonably incurred, or reasonably
        likely to be incurred, by the primary victim as a direct result of the
        act of violence;

   (c)  of up to $20 000 for loss of earnings suffered, or reasonably likely
        to be suffered, by the primary victim as a direct result of the act of
        violence;

   (d)  for expenses incurred by the primary victim through loss of or damage
        to clothing worn at the time of the commission of the act of violence.

(3) In exceptional circumstances, there may also be included in the amount
awarded to a primary victim within the limit set by subsection (1) an amount
for other expenses actually and reasonably incurred, or reasonably likely to
be incurred, by the primary victim to assist his or her recovery from the act
of violence.

(4) Except as provided by subsection (2)(d) in the case of clothing,
assistance may not be awarded to a primary victim for expense incurred through
loss of or damage to property.