Volunteers

Volunteers assist in many ways to ensure that victims of crime receive the services they require. Many volunteers contribute to the work undertaken by the service and new helpers, with a range of skills and life experiences, are always welcome. Work undertaken by volunteers varies across the State and can include the following primary tasks:

Court Preparation and Court Companions
Trained volunteers provide information and support to a victim or prosecution witness in advance of, and/or at the time they are required to appear in court. They can also accompany family and friends of crime victims who wish to observe the court process. Court Companions attend criminal hearings with victims in the Magistrates, District and Supreme Courts. They can assist crime victims in the Family Court and at Restraining Order Days as well as representing the views of the victims in Youth Justice Family Conferences.

Information and Advice
The Victim Support Service has a great deal of information and knowledge which volunteers can share with victims of crime. Volunteers may also assist victims who wish to make a written Victim Impact Statement to court concerning the crime.

Public Speakers
Volunteers are trained to provide presentations to community groups and organisations which helps to raise public awareness about the consequences of crime, the needs of victims and the work undertaken by the Victim Support Service.

Office Administration
Volunteers provide invaluable assistance in many areas including:

Assisting with the production of our quarterly newsletter
Helping develop and update our resource folder
General office and reception duties

Resource Centre
Trained librarians and people with an active interest in information technology work on:

Media clippings
Archival storage
Borrowings

For further enquiries, or to request a volunteer application pack, please contact us at:
Victim Support Service
Tel: 8231 5626
Country Toll-Free: 1800 182 368
Fax: 8231 5458
Email: info@victimsa.org