Support for victims of crime

If a crime is happening or has just happened, you should call triple zero (000) immediately.

If you’re a victim of crime or have witnessed a crime, support is available to you. This page includes information about:

Reporting a crime to the police

If you are a victim of or witness to a crime, you should report the incident to the police as soon as possible. This can prevent valuable evidence from being lost or destroyed. It may also help police to locate the offender and prevent another person from being harmed. Police are able to support you through what can be a very distressing event.

In an emergency

You should phone Triple Zero (000): 

  • if a crime is happening now or has just happened
  • your life or property is being threatened
  • someone is seriously injured or in need of urgent medical help.

If you have a speech or hearing disability, you can access the Triple Zero (000) service via the National Relay Service. Phone 106 for text-based communication over the phone.

Non-urgent incidents

If you need police assistance, but it’s not an emergency, phone Policelink on 131 444 (24 hours, 7 days).

You can also visit your local police station to report the incident or report it online. 

If you prefer to report a crime anonymously, phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 (24 hours, 7 days).

Examples of non-urgent incidents include:

  • property damage
  • stealing
  • break and enter
  • stolen vehicle
  • lost property.

Charter Of Victims' Right

The Charter of Victims’ Rights has been a crucial part of Queensland legislation since 2017, under the Victims of Crime Assistance Act 2009. 

The Office of the Interim Victims’ Commissioner have provided detailed information to help victims of violent crime to understand their rights.

The Charter underscores the commitment of the Queensland Police Service to treating all victims of violent crime with consistency and care, there for minimising the risk of further trauma.

To support victims of violent crime, the victims' rights charter has been translated into Easy English. The Office of the Interim Victims’ Commissioner is developing additional accessible resources to ensure that all individuals can understand and exercise their rights.

Support for victims of crime

Support services are available for victims of many types of crime in Queensland, including domestic violence and sexual assault. If you need support, the following services may be able to help you.

Lifeline

If you are experiencing emotional distress, you can access Lifeline’s 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention service.

Victim Connect

Victim Connect provide free and confidential counselling to help you recover from the emotional and psychological impacts of experiencing or witnessing a violent crime.

  • phone 1300 318 940 (24 hours)
  • visit their website.

Other support services in your area

Other support services are available. You can use this directory to search for support in your area or support that is specific to your needs. 

Domestic and family violence (DFV)

Domestic or family violence occurs when one person in a relationship uses violent or abusive behaviour to control another. Learn more about how to recognise the signs of and the support service available to you. 

Sexual violence

Sexual violence can happen to anyone, and it is never your fault. You are not alone. You can contact the Sexual Assault Helpline for support from a team of specialist counsellors. You can choose to remain anonymous.

Property and motor vehicle crime 

We understand it is upsetting to have something you own stolen or damaged. If you need emotional support, you can contact Lifeline:

To replace stolen or damaged property, you should contact your personal insurer. 

If you are facing financial hardship, you can also contact the National Debt Helpline:

  • Phone 1800 007 007

Financial assistance for victims of violent crime

Victim Assist Queensland provides financial assistance to victims of violent crime in Queensland to help them recover. Victim Assist can only provide financial assistance to victims of violent crime, including domestic violence, who were injured by another person or due to dangerous driving (person on person crime). 

Victim Assist may also be able to provide financial assistance to witnesses of violent crime, parent secondary victims, or close relatives of a victim who died due to violence. Learn more about who they can assist.

Victim Assist may be able to provide:

  • financial assistance to help you recover, including reimbursing you for some expenses
  • information and referrals to other victim support services 
  • information about court processes and help writing a victim impact statement
  • information about your rights as a victim.

Victim Assist cannot:

  • provide financial assistance to victims of non-violent crime or a crime that did not result in an injury (e.g. property crime)
    • if you did not experience a violent crime and are facing financial hardship, contact the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007.

Learn more about Victim Assist Queensland and how to apply.

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Last updated: 03/06/2024