Victim Support Service - About us
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.
