Victim compensation and domestic violence: a national overview

Stakeholder paper no.8.

• Isobelle Barrett Meyering
• Australian Domestic and Family Violence Clearinghouse

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19 February 2010• The provision of compensation is now seen to represent good practice as part of a broader legal response to domestic violence. Compensation can assist women to deal with the aftermath of violence at both a practical and symbolic level.

• All eight Australian states and territories operate victim compensation schemes, although there are significant differences in their eligibility criteria, the composition of awards and the assessment processes used.

• Historically, domestic violence victims have found it difficult to access compensation but many Australian jurisdictions have now introduced special measures to improve women’s access to the schemes. However, the recent trend towards debt recovery from perpetrators may have negative implications for some women.

• Advocates and lawyers can assist their clients by informing them about their entitlements to compensation and encouraging them to apply for it. Depending on their circumstances and the jurisdiction, women may be eligible for awards of up to $75 000.

• Further research is needed into domestic violence victims’ experiences of the compensation process.