Specialist Victims Support Service

The Specialist Victims Support Service provides information and support to victims of crime where the accused person is or may become a forensic patient. 

The Service can provide support to victims of crime if:

• the accused person may have a mental health impairment and/or cognitive impairment, and the NSW District Court or Supreme Court case has not been finalised, or
• the accused person has been found not criminally responsible or has received a limiting term by the NSW District Court or Supreme Court and referred to the Mental Health Review Tribunal. 

What support is available?

The Service supports victims by:

• explaining the court and Mental Health Review Tribunal processes, such as special hearings and fitness inquiries 
• providing support when a matter progresses from the court to the Tribunal
• providing referrals to relevant support services
• providing information about counselling, financial assistance and recognition payments available to eligible victims under the Victims Support Scheme 
• providing information about the Specialist Victims Register and assisting victims to register to receive updates about a forensic patient.

How do I access support?

To access support from the Specialist Victims Support Service, please contact us by phone or email. Our contact details are listed below.

If another support service or organisation is assisting you, they can contact us by phone or email to refer you to the Specialist Victims Support Service. 

Contact the Specialist Victims Support Service

If you would like to contact the Specialist Victims Support Service, please:

• phone: 1800 633 063 (option 4) 
• email: svss@dcj.nsw.gov.au
• write to us:
  Specialist Victims Support Service
  Victims Services
  Department of Communities and Justice
  Locked Bag 5118
  Parramatta NSW 2124