Specialist Victims Support Service

The Specialist Victims Support Service (SVSS) provides support to victims navigating the forensic mental health system. The SVSS are a service provided by Victims Services within the Department of Communities and Justice.

SVSS assist by:

• explaining Court and Mental Health Review Tribunal processes
  
• providing support when a matter progresses from the Court to the Tribunal
  
• providing referrals to appropriate services, including counselling, housing and financial assistance
  
• notifying registered victims about important changes regarding the forensic patient 
• facilitating communication between a registered victim and the Mental Health Review Tribunal and assisting a registered victim to prepare  information to present to the Tribunal
• attending hearings with or on behalf of a registered victim.

Who is eligible for support?

To be eligible for support, the following three criteria must be met: 

• The person seeking support is a victim or a family victim of an act of violence 
• The act of violence has been or may be referred for hearing before the NSW District Court or the Supreme Court 
• The accused person has a mental health impairment and/or cognitive impairment and has been or may be referred for hearing before the Mental Health Review Tribunal.

A family victim is a member of the immediate family of a homicide victim including a:

• spouse
• de factor partner who has lived with the victim for at least two years
• parent, step-parent or guardian
• child, step-child or guardian child
• brother, sister, half-brother, half-sister, step-brother or step-sister.

How do I access support?

Any agency or individual can refer you to our team, or you can apply directly.

To access support, visit Apply for support. 

Further information

If you would like further information:

Phone

1800 633 063 (option 4) 

Email

svss@dcj.nsw.gov.au