Victim Support Service (VSS) started out as the Victims of Crime Service (VOCS). It was established in 1979 after Ray Whitrod (retired Queensland Police Commissioner) met with some of the families of the victims of the “Family” and “Truro” murders. These families had spoken of the isolation, grief, helplessness and confusion they had experienced as a result of the crime and felt that no-one fully understood what they were going through. The police and other professionals were unable to provide the information and support the families needed, especially in relation to the criminal justice system. 

VOCS was originally formed as a voluntary, self-help group that offered friendship, information, support and advocacy for victims of crime and their families.

In 1984 VOCS was able to employ its first paid professional workers. The volunteers continued to be an important part of the service, and their valued contribution continues to this day.

In 1996 VOCS changed its name to Victim Support Service.

In July 2001 the former Attorney-General, the Hon K Trevor Griffin, provided VSS with a three year grant from the Victims of Crime Fund to establish services in five regional centres in South Australia: Port Augusta, Port Lincoln, Port Pirie, Riverland and the South East. All subsequent Attorneys-General have actively supported the initiative. In 2004, two new regional offices were launched at Murray Bridge and Whyalla. In 2005, five of the regional offices had an increase of working hours from 0.4 to 0.7 FTE.