Counselling

The Victims Support Scheme offers up to 22 hours of counselling for victims of a violent crime, modern slavery or a road crime that happened in NSW. 

Once the allocation is used, further hours may be approved for:

• victims of child sexual assault or child physical abuse
• family members of someone who died as a result of a homicide or road crime
• victims of other violent crimes or modern slavery for exceptional reasons.

Who can apply?

Victims of a violent crime: If you have been impacted by a violent crime, you can apply to get counselling if you are:

• a primary victim
  
• a secondary victim
  
• a family victim – homicide 
  
• a related family member of a homicide victim, who is not a family victim.

For more information, visit Eligibility criteria.

Victims of modern slavery: Primary victims can apply for counselling in relation to acts of modern slavery that occurred on or after 1 January 2022. 

For more information, visit Eligibility criteria.

Victims of a road crime: Family victims and related family members of someone who has died as a result of a road crime can apply for counselling in relation to road crimes that occurred on or after 1 February 2023.  

If the road crime occurred before that date, you may still be able to receive counselling if there are exceptional circumstances. 

If you are a family member of someone who has died as a result of a road crime, see Support for family members of a road crime victim. 

How long do I have to apply?

There is no time limit to apply for counselling through the Victims Support Scheme. You can apply at any time after the incident. 

 How do I apply?

To apply for counselling, please select the relevant application form and follow the instructions to complete your application:

• If you are a primary victim or secondary victim, use the Application for Support.
• If you are a family victim of homicide or a related family member of a homicide victim, use the Application for Support for Family Members of a Homicide Victim.
  
• If you are a family victim of a road crime or a related family member of a road crime victim, use the Application for Counselling for a Family Member of a Road Crime Victim.

If you're unable to apply online, you can download a PDF application form and send your completed form and supporting documents to us by email or post.  

What do I need to apply?

You need to submit a completed application form and a clear copy or image of your current government-issued identification, such as a driver licence, passport, Medicare card or Centrelink card.

If the applicant is under the age of 18, a copy of the child applicant's identification and their parent or guardian's identification must be provided with the application form. If you're unable to provide identification documents, please contact us to discuss your options. 

To find out what types of identification we accept, visit Supporting documents.

What happens next?

If your application for counselling is approved, you can use our search tool to find an approved counsellor that's right for you. 

Approved counsellors are qualified and experienced health professionals that deliver counselling under the Victims Support Scheme. They can support you to manage and recover from the impacts of violent crime, modern slavery or a road crime. 

Visit Find an approved counsellor to search the list of approved counsellors by their location, experience, languages spoken, gender and the type of consultation they offer, including online, video and phone consultations.

You can contact them to request an appointment or to find out more about them. You need to provide them with your name and Victims Services reference number, and let them know if you need an interpreter.