Attending court can be a daunting experience for anyone who is unfamiliar with how the legal system works, including victims of crime, people accused of crime, witnesses and families.
If there is anything the Court should know to help you attend Court, please email the Digital Litigation team at qvtvgny.yvgvtngvba@fhcpbheg.ivp.tbi.nhua.vog.civ.truocpus@noitagitil.latigid at least one week before the hearing. For example, you need to tell the Court if you:
- need a hearing loop
- need regular breaks, for example to care for a baby or for medical reasons
- need other support in court because of a disability.
If you use a wheelchair or are unable to use stairs, you can enter the Court via the laneway gate on Lonsdale Street, between the Trial Division and Court of Appeal buildings. For further information, please contact (03) 8600 2100 or email frphevgl@fhcpbheg.ivp.tbi.nhua.vog.civ.truocpus@ytiruces .
Other support services
There are several organisations that provide support and assistance to people attending court:
Court Network
Court Network operates a support service in the Supreme Court of Victoria. Court Network volunteers can help court users to become familiar with how the court and the legal system operate before their day in court and can provide non-legal support at the court while the trial is in progress.
Child Witness Service
The Child Witness Service, based in the Courts precinct, is a specialist service that provides court education and support. The service aims to reduce the trauma and stress experienced by a child witness by:
- preparing them for the role of being a witness
- familiarising them with the court process and personnel
- supporting them and their family throughout the criminal proceedings and court
- providing debriefing and referral to community agencies.
Safe and Equal
Safe and Equal is the peak body for specialist family violence services that provide support to victim survivors in Victoria. Their website can be used to search for specialist family violence services in Victoria.
Victims of Crime Helpline
The Victims of Crime Helpline will:
- provide advice about reporting a crime
- give you information about the court process
- find other services that can assist you
- help you apply for compensation and financial assistance.
VICTORIAN VICTIMS REGISTER
The Victims Register can provide victims of crime information about an offender serving a sentence in prison for the offence.
Witness Assistance Service
The Witness Assistance Service supports victims of serious crime through the court process. The service is part of the Victims Strategy and Services unit of the Office of Public Prosecutions (OPP).