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Agency Links
Law, Investigations and Justice
Department of Justice, Criminal Injury Compensation Unit, Brisbane - 07 3239 6975
http://www.justice.qld.gov.au/courts/about/compo.htm
The DOJ’s Criminal Injury Compensation Unit is responsible for administering compensation to families whom have lost a loved one to homicide, when the homicide has actually occurred in Queensland. QHVSG welcomes enquiries for assistance on this.
Queensland Police Service (QPS); Police Head Quarters - 07 3364 6464
www.police.qld.gov.au
From the moment they are notified of a homicide, one or more Detectives will investigate the case. They are responsible for organizing forensic tests, interviewing and taking statements from witnesses, and ultimately compiling every shred of evidence on the case. The Detectives liaise with the family (encourage callers to write down the name and contact number for the Detective in their case) and keep them up to date with the progress of the case. Naturally, there will be some aspects of the case which must remain confidential – even to the family. However the Detective can explain the importance of this to the family for when it goes to trial.
The Department of Public Prosecutions; Brisbane DPP - 07 3239 3520
http://www.justice.qld.gov.au/odpp/
Once the case has been committed to trial (through the magistrates court), it will be handed over to the Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP). It may take between 12-18 months for the trial to commence after the committal hearing, and during this time the family will be appointed a Victim Liaison Officer (VLO). VLO’s are the conduit of information between the family, and the Prosecutor on their case. They are responsible for keeping the family informed of any mentions, alterations to the charges, applications by the accused to the mental health tribunal, or any acceptance of pleas.
Queensland Health Scientific Services
The John Tonge Centre - 07 3274 9153
http://www.health.qld.gov.au/qhpss/forensic.asp
The Queensland Health Scientific Services mortuary - widely known as the "John Tonge Centre" – is responsible for approximately 1200 autopsies each year under orders issued by coroners, mainly from the Brisbane area. A further 1500 coronial autopsies are conducted by pathologists and Government Medical Officers in regional areas. Families are often called into the John Tonge Centre to identify their loved one, in which case counselors are on hand to provide support to the family. Once the funeral for someone has taken place, the funeral director will send off notification to the John Tonge Centre who then prepares the death certificate for the family.
Victim Support Co-ordinator, Mental Health – 07 3834 1605
This role is to support victims of crime where the perpetrator has a mental illness, to assist in writing non party statements, court support, and with explaining and demystifying the mental health defence and forensic orders. This role additionally coordinates support and referral when required.
The Public Trustees - 07 3213 9288
www.pt.qld.gov.au
The Public Trustees are often called upon to mediate, or determine the distribution of assets following the death of a family member. They are commonly called upon if the deceased did not have a Last Will & Testament, or in the event of feuding or divided families. QHVSG do not provide advice regarding the distribution of assets, however the caller may find it helpful to contact the Public Trustees directly.
Legal Aid Queensland - 1300 651 188
http://www.legalaid.qld.gov.au/
Legal Aid provides free legal representation to anyone who meets the criteria of their merit-test. They can provide legal assistance and representation in areas of criminal; family; and civil law.
Victims’ Register - 1800 098 098
http://www.dcs.qld.gov.au/About_Us/victims_register/index.shtml
The Victims’ Register is a free service provided to the family of homicide victims by the Department of Corrective Services. This service keeps families informed of anything concerning the offender. For example, changes in their classification, in which prison they are located, and their eligibility for parole. This is a free, and excellent service which we recommend all families become registered with.
Support Australia
Commissioner for Victims’ Rights, South Australia; www.voc.sa.gov.au
Homicide Victims Support Group, New South Wales; http://www.hvsgnsw.org.au/
Homicide Victims Support Group, Western Australia; http://www.hvsg.org.au
Victoria Homicide Victims Support Group; http://www.victoriahomicide.com.au
Crime Victims’ Support (Victoria); http://www.cvsa.asn.au/
Homicide Victims Support South Australia; Ph (08) 8305 9670
Community Health - Victims Services Scheme (ACT); www.health.act.gov.au/c/health?a=da&did=10042279
Victims of Crime Northern Territory; http://www.victimsofcrime.org.au/
Grief Link; http://www.grieflink.asn.au/frameset.html
Paradise Kids; http://www.paradisekids.org.au/
Beyond Blue; http://www.beyondblue.org.au/
Depression Net; http://depressionet.com.au/
Angel Hands; http://www.angelhands.org.au/
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