Queensland Health Victim Support Service

The Queensland Health Victim Support Service (QHVSS) is a free state-wide service. We provide specialised counselling, support and information to victims of crime when the person charged has been assessed as having a mental illness or intellectual disability.

  • I am a victim

    If you or someone you know is a victim of an offence where the person charged has been diverted from the criminal justice system to the forensic mental health system (which includes the Mental Health Court and Mental Health Review Tribunal), you are eligible for help from QHVSS.

  • My client is a victim

    If your client is a victim of an offence where the person charged has been, or is likely to be, diverted from the criminal justice system to the forensic mental health system, (includes Mental Health Court and Mental Health Review Tribunal), your client is eligible for help from QHVSS.

  • Refer, contact or give feeedback

    Anyone can refer to QHVSS by phoning or emailing us

About QHVSS

QHVSS has offices in Brisbane, Townsville and Cairns and provides outreach throughout Queensland. Services are delivered by experienced social workers and psychologists who can assist you to access entitlements and help support your recovery. Assistance can be provided face to face, by telephone or
by email.

We recognise that early support for people who are victims of violent crimes (and your families) helps you to cope with the offence and improves your long term wellbeing more effectively. Help is available at any stage after the offence and for as long as needed.

If you or someone you know is a victim of an offence where the person charged has been diverted from the criminal justice system to the forensic mental health system, you are eligible for help from QHVSS. We can also assist you if the person charged was dealt with in Magistrates Court and received a mental health defence.

To speak to someone and find out how we can help:

Phone: 1800 208 005 (free call) during business hours or email victim.support@health.qld.gov.au.

Our aims

To provide a service that meets the needs of victims of crime where the offender has a mental illness or intellectual disability. This includes:

  • Early identification of victims to offer them support
  • Providing immediate help and advice
  • Providing information about the Forensic Mental Health system
  • Assisting victims in making informed choices and accessing their entitlements
  • Supporting victims to tell their story through statements and submissions
  • Working in partnership with other agencies to be responsive to victim needs.

Our history

QHVSS was established as a result of the 2006 review of the Mental Health Act (2000) conducted by Brendan Butler AM SC. The final government report, Promoting Balance in the Forensic Mental Health System, concluded that change was necessary to ensure victims have access to appropriate and timely information, victims’ concerns are heard, and the mental health system is responsive to their needs. Access to information and support is recognised as being crucial to a victim's recovery and well-being. QHVSS has a role in assisting victims and their families to access their entitlements under the Mental Health Act 2016.

Last updated: 4 November 2025