Go to the profile of Dean Ellinson
Dean Ellinson
Dean Ellinson is the CEO of Ellinson Legal. He has worked in two of the largest national law firms. Dean is experienced in preparing VOCAT Claims.

Were you or someone you know the victim of a violent crime?

1. We can help you seek compensation

Ellinson Legal is experienced in preparing claims for financial assistance from VOCAT.

At no cost to you.

VOCAT is funded by the Victorian Government.

VOCAT provides financial assistance to victims of crime to assist them in their recovery.

2. Can you get help from VOCAT?

You may be able to receive financial assistance from VOCAT if you are an injured victim of a crime or if you are an injured witness to a crime.

You may be able to receive financial assistance if you are the parent or guardian of a crime victim (under 18 years).

If you are closely related to a crime victim who died then you may also be able to make a VOCAT claim.

Being injured is not just limited to physical injury.

If you are mentally affected you may be able to make a VOCAT claim.

You may be able to make a VOCAT claim if you are pregnant as a result of a crime.

3. Are there any legal fees involved?

There is no cost to you in making a VOCAT claim.

Our costs are covered by VOCAT.

4. How can Ellinson Legal help?

We can advise you as to whether you can make a VOCAT claim and what you should claim for.

We can prepare the VOCAT claim for you.

We can manage the claim through to the award of financial assistance by VOCAT.

5. What Financial Assistance Can Be Awarded By VOCAT?

VOCAT can award financial assistance for:

  • reasonable counselling expenses
  • reasonable medical expenses
  • replacement of damaged clothing worn at the time of the crime
  • reasonable safety-related expenses (victim only)
  • reasonable funeral expenses
  • lost earnings up to a maximum of $20,000 (victim and injured witness only)
  • in exceptional circumstances, other reasonable expenses that will assist an eligible victim in their recovery from the crime
  • special financial assistance (victim only)
  • distress and dependency (if closely related to victim who died)
  • other expenses reasonably incurred as a direct result of the death (if closely related to victim who died)

VOCAT may provide assistance even though no person has been charged or found guilty or convicted.

6. Benefits other than VOCAT financial assistance

We can discuss with you whether you can claim from insurers or from the offender.

7. What should I do now?

We invite you to contact Ellinson Legal by

8. Other Links