Victim Support Unit : Victims of Crime Assistance League - Hunter NSW

12/08/2026

Yesterday, our Sophie Wheeler had the privilege of giving evidence before the NSW Parliament’s inquiry into the Mental Health Review Tribunal (MHRT), alongside Martha Jabour OAM, CEO of the Homicide Victims’ Support Group.

Martha has been a tireless advocate for victims of homicide and their families for decades, and we were proud to stand alongside her in calling for a system that better recognises and respects the experiences of victims and their families.

Through our work supporting victims of crime, we see firsthand the profound impact that decisions made within the MHRT can have on victims, their families and loved ones.

For too long, victim-survivors and their families have felt unheard, overlooked or excluded from processes that can have an enormous impact on their lives, safety and sense of justice.

VOCAL welcomes the opportunity to contribute to this important inquiry and to advocate alongside the Homicide Victims’ Support Group for meaningful reform, towards a system where the rights, wellbeing and voices of victims are afforded equal consideration alongside the rights and needs of offenders.

We thank the Committee for the opportunity to give evidence, and most importantly acknowledge the victim-survivors and families whose experiences inform this advocacy.

Their voices deserve to be heard. Their experiences deserve to matter.

11/08/2026

24/07/2026

⚠️ Important safety information – National AusAlert test

On Monday 27 July at 2:00 pm (AEST), a nationwide test of Australia's new AusAlert emergency warning system will be sent to compatible mobile phones, tablets and smartwatches.

The alert will:

📱 Display a TEST MESSAGE on your screen.
🔊 Play a loud siren-like sound for around 10 seconds.
📳 Sound even if your device is on silent or Do Not Disturb.

If you have a hidden or safety phone, or receiving this alert could place you or someone you know at risk, consider turning the device off or switching it to aeroplane mode before 2:00 pm on Monday. Official guidance recommends leaving it off for at least one hour after the test, or longer if needed for your safety.

Please share this information with anyone who may be affected.

💙 Stay informed. Stay safe.

23/07/2026

Working together to strengthen support for victims of crime 💙

Today we were delighted to welcome Sarah from the NSW Victims Register to the VOCAL office.

Sarah shared valuable insights with our team about the important role of the Victims Register in keeping eligible victims informed about an offender's custodial status and supporting them throughout the justice process.

At VOCAL, we know that timely information can make a real difference for victims and their families. Continuing to learn from, and collaborate with, our partner organisations helps ensure we can provide informed, trauma-responsive support and guide clients through what can often be a complex justice system.

A heartfelt thank you to Sarah for taking the time to meet with our team. We greatly value opportunities to strengthen our partnerships, share knowledge and work together to improve outcomes for victims of crime.

💙 Together, we're helping ensure victims have access to the information, support and services they need to make informed choices and feel supported every step of the way.

16/07/2026

🐾 A pawsome visit to VOCAL! 🐾

We were lucky to welcome Tim and his incredible therapy dogs, Dougie and Ralph, to the VOCAL office! 🐶🐶💙

Dougie and Ralph brought plenty of smiles, cuddles and comfort to our team, showing us firsthand the incredible impact that therapy animals can have on wellbeing, connection and emotional support.

For many people who have experienced trauma, a therapy dog can provide a sense of calm, safety and companionship during some of their most challenging moments. 💙

This visit was a beautiful reminder of why VOCAL is working towards establishing our own therapy dog program; creating opportunities for a specially trained dog to support victims and survivors as they access our services and connect with our team.

A huge thank you to Tim, Dougie and Ralph for sharing their time and showing us the difference these amazing partnerships can make. 🐕✨

If you’d like to support VOCAL’s vision of bringing a therapy dog into our service, please consider a donation to our Therapy Support Dog Program:

https://www.vocal.org.au/office-therapy-dog-pilot-program/

Every bit of support helps us get closer to making this dream a reality.

13/07/2026

📢 A significant step forward for victim-survivors in NSW

VOCAL welcomes the appointment of Hannah Damkar as NSW's first Independent Victims of Crime Commissioner.

The creation of this independent role marks a significant milestone for victim-survivors across New South Wales. It represents an opportunity to strengthen victims' rights, elevate the voices of those impacted by crime, and continue building a more compassionate and responsive justice system.

At VOCAL, we look forward to working alongside the Commissioner, the victim support sector and our community partners to ensure the voices and experiences of victim-survivors continue to shape policy, advocacy and meaningful system reform.

Congratulations to Hannah Damkar on her appointment. We wish her every success in this important role and look forward to the positive impact this position will have for victim-survivors across NSW.

19/06/2026

🐾 Exciting News from VOCAL! 🐾

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new dedicated donation page for VOCAL's Pilot Therapy Dog Program!

Over the past year, we have seen firsthand the incredible difference that dogs can make for victim-survivors accessing support. A calm and friendly canine companion can help reduce anxiety, create a sense of safety, and make it easier for people to engage in conversations about their experiences.

Now, with your support, we hope to take the next step towards establishing a formal Therapy Dog Program to provide comfort, connection and support to even more people impacted by crime.

Every donation, big or small, will help us work towards making this vision a reality.

🐶 To donate, simply visit our new donation page:

https://www.vocal.org.au/office-therapy-dog-pilot-program/

Thank you to everyone who has supported this initiative so far. Together, we can create a more welcoming, compassionate and trauma-informed environment for victim-survivors throughout the Hunter.

❤️ One paw, one conversation, one life at a time.

Victims of Crime Assistance League (VOCAL) assists people harmed by crime throughout NSW. The Victim Support Unit is a free service to the Hunter Region.

15/06/2026

Today we were delighted to welcome Yasmin Catley MP and Tim Crakanthorp MP to the VOCAL office to discuss the positive role that dogs can play in supporting victim-survivors of crime.

For many people accessing support services, stepping through the door can be one of the hardest parts of their journey. Having friendly, calm canine companions in the office can help create a sense of safety, comfort and connection during what can often be difficult conversations.

During the visit, Yasmin and Tim met our office dogs, Kenya the Labradoodle and Teddy the Pomeranian Puppy, as well as Peter and his formal therapy dog, Tommy. Each of these special dogs helps create a welcoming environment for clients, staff and visitors.

At VOCAL, we have seen firsthand the difference that dogs can make in reducing anxiety, building rapport and helping people feel comfortable and at ease. We are hopeful of raising funds to contribute towards a formal Office Therapy Dog Pilot Program, ensuring this valuable support can continue to grow.

We would also like to acknowledge and thank Embrace People & Place for their support in allowing our dogs to be part of the workplace. Their willingness to embrace innovative, community-focused approaches helps us create a more welcoming and supportive environment for everyone who walks through our doors.

Thank you to Yasmin and Tim for taking the time to visit, listen and learn about the ways we continue to support our community.

🐾💙

29/05/2026

💜 What if your tax deduction could help someone find their voice again?

Every day, people contact VOCAL after experiencing some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Many are overwhelmed, traumatised, and unsure where to turn next.

A donation to VOCAL before 30 June helps ensure victim-survivors continue to receive free, independent, trauma-informed support when they need it most.

Your EOFY donation can help us:

✅ Support people through police reports, court proceedings and parole processes
✅ Assist victim-survivors to access counselling and financial support
✅ Advocate for victims' rights and provide a compassionate, independent service
✅ Ensure no one has to navigate the justice system alone

For more than 35 years, VOCAL has been standing alongside victim-survivors across the Hunter and NSW, helping people regain choice, confidence and control.

This End of Financial Year, your donation can make a real difference.

💜 Donate today and help us continue giving people a voice after crime.

Every donation over $2 is tax deductible.

08/05/2026

The Parliament of New South Wales stands on the traditional lands of the Gadigal people. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present. We proudly acknowledge all the Aboriginal peoples of New South Wales and honour their enduring connection to the lands, waters and sky of the State.