Team of the year award for victims justice volunteers

Volunteers from the Commission’s Victims Justice Volunteer Program (VJVP) have been named volunteer team of the year in Volunteering ACT’s 2023 awards.

The team provide emotional and practical support to victims of crime who engage with criminal justice processes in Canberra.

“I have been continually amazed by our volunteers’ dedication and deep commitment to supporting victims of crime,” said Victims of Crime Commissioner Heidi Yates.

“The volunteers provide support when victims are giving evidence at trials or hearings, applying for protection orders, at meetings or interviews with justice agencies, writing victim impact statements, reading these out at sentencing and applying for the financial assistance scheme (FAS).”

Victim Support ACT has managed the program since 2016. During this time, six longstanding volunteers have dedicated their time to supporting victims of crime in Canberra.

“Victims who have contact with the justice system often describe it as confusing, intimidating or isolating,” Ms Yates said.

“At times, a victim can’t have their family or friends with them as a support person, as they may be witnesses in the case. At other times, victims do not want their family or friends there, as they don’t want them privy to the horrific details of an assault.

“Victims have told us they have greatly appreciated the support of volunteers, and without them, they would have been alone.”

The team have also shown great dedication in assisting people with FAS applications. The FAS team can help victims access critical finances to escape domestic violence for example, and for many other supports. However, writing the application form can be distressing.

“Many victims say they would not have been able to get through the form without volunteer support, given the traumatic re-counting of events it entails,” Ms Yates said.

Award winners standing on stage at ceremony

A volunteer and a VSACT staff member (far left) at the awards ceremony.

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