This report examines the experiences of victims referred to police to support services and the operation of the referral process in the Australian Capital Territory. It examines victims of crime in the Australian Capital Territory, identifies current good practice models of referring victims of crime, identifies gaps in the current referral system, and identifies policy options to enable government to determine strategic directions for achieving better outcomes for victims of crime in the Australian Capital Territory.
This report is funded by Victim Support ACT and ACT Policing. Since the completion of the report in 2009, Victim Support ACT and ACT Policing have used it to facilitate better access to support services for people affected by crime. Following the establishment of the Victims Advisory Board in 2011, the Victims of Crime Commissioner sought the support of the Board to progress matters that had been raised in the report. The Commissioner was of the view that the Board, having a function to develop and maintain protocols and procedures for the treatment of victims by agencies involved in the administration of justice, was well placed to assist Victim Support ACT and ACT Policing to progress these issues. To assist the Board to perform this function, the report is now being published to allow public access to the information.