Victims Justice Volunteer Program

Victim Support ACT’s court support program is delivered by VSACT and highly skilled, trained volunteers.

The program provides practical information and emotional support to individuals attending the ACT Magistrates Court and the ACT Supreme Court.

Volunteers can support you if you need to give evidence in a criminal matter or provide company for you in relation to a family violence order or personal protection order.

VSACT volunteers can help you find your way around the court building and provide information on court protocol. They can support you emotionally and tell VSACT if you need other supports. Volunteers do not offer legal advice.

VSACT volunteers receive ongoing training and supervision.

Assistance and support options

If you are a victim of crime, VSACT volunteers can:

• meet with you before the court day, and show you around so you know where to go on the day
• give you information about what to expect from the court process and how the criminal justice system operates
• attend a meeting with you and the prosecutor before the trial, who will help you to prepare to give evidence
• go to court with you to provide support before, during and directly after you give evidence
• organise a safe waiting area where you can wait before and after you give your evidence or if possible, organise for you to give evidence from the remote evidence room
• assist you to find information about other services available to victims of crime

VSACT volunteers can also assist to:

• make a report about a crime at a police station
• prepare financial assistance applications
• prepare victim impact statements

As a victim of crime in the ACT, you can request court support at any time during the criminal justice process. If you would like to arrange court support or other volunteer assistance, please contact us for a chat.