3. CONTENTS
Chairs Foreword
From the CE
Our Purpose
This is VSS
Vision and Values
VSS Board
Executive Team
Our People
Strategic Plan
New Performance
Our Programs and Services
Staying Home Staying Safe
Family Safety Framework
1800 VICTIM Helpdesk
Counselling Services
Regional Services
Royal Commission
First Response
Court Companion Service
WDVCAS
Victim Impact Statement
Compensation Claims
1
2
3
4
5
6
9
10
11
12
13
13
14
14
15
15
16
17
18
19
20
Information and Education
Website
Victims’ Voice
Crime Victim E-news
Resource Centre
Community Education and Training
Media and Social Media
Research and Advocacy
Submissions and reports
Research
Advocacy through Committees and
Workgroups
Campaigns
Victims of Crime Compensation
Support Services for child and
adolescent victims of crime
Financial Snapshot
Summary of Income and Expenses
Summary of Statement Financial
Position
VSS Supporters
VSS Contact Details
21
21
21
21
22
22
23
25
26
27
27
28
28
29
30
4. 1
CHAIR’S FOREWORD
I am pleased to present the
2015-16 Annual Report for the
Victim Support Service (VSS). This
has been an extremely positive
year for VSS in which we have
seen longer term funding contracts
signed which provide stability,
as well as the addition of new
government services to bolster
support for victims of crime.
A great example of a new program
that is strengthening support for
victims is the Women’s Domestic
Violence Court Assistance Service
(WDVCAS). The Service was
established on July 2015 as part of
the State Government’s response to
the Coroner’s findings in the murder
of Zahra Abrahimzadeh. In its first
year of operation, our team of
lawyers assisted over 450 women,
including making more than 200
appearances in Court in support
of women seeking Intervention
Orders, and supporting 63 women
at the South Australian Civil and
Administrative Tribunal (SACAT) in
relation to the domestic violence
provisions of the SA Residential
Tenancies Act. It has been a
remarkable effort to go from a
standing-start to this level of service
in only 12 months. Congratulations
to Senior Lawyer Debra Spizzo and
her team.
I would also like to thank my
fellow Board members. Being
part of a Board is a significant
responsibility and understanding
and supporting the distinction
between management by staff and
governance by the Board requires
a capable group of people. This
year we said goodbye to Katherine
McLachlan and Jan Tenenberg,
and Richard Fletcher took a leave
of absence. We wish Katherine and
Jan well and thank them for their
contribution.
In their place, we welcomed Jacqui
Poltera, Lucy Boulger and Sharon
Lockwood.
I look forward to working with
the Chief Executive, Julian Roffe,
and his management team over
the coming year to achieve the
strategic priorities and changes
needed to take VSS to the next
level.
Karen Fullagar
Chair, Board of Directors
VICTIM SUPPORT SERVICE
5. 2
FROM THE CE
In 2015-16 base funding from the
Victims of Crime Fund accounted for
only half of our overall revenues as
VSS continued to take a proactive
approach to the challenge of meeting
increases in demand from a stagnant
funding base by diversifying our
revenue streams.
This year we extended our service
model for victims of crime through the
introduction of a new psychological
assessment service to assist victims
seeking compensation for non-
financial loss through the Victims
of Crime Fund; and the Women’s
Domestic Violence Court Assistance
Service. We are currently assessing
options to extend our legal support
services, and we are co-locating
with a disability advocacy service in
anticipation of the full roll out of the
National Disability Insurance Scheme
(NDIS) from 2017.
These new initiatives, in addition to
existing non-core funded programs
like Staying Home Staying Safe,
Royal Commission Support Services
and administration of the Family
Safety Framework, augment the
South Australian Attorney-General
Department’s (AGD) funding of general
and regional victim services. This
reflects our strategy to build a more
holistic service model for victims of
crime through a single point of entry.
During the course of 2015-16 we have
embedded a number of other key
objectives from our Strategic Plan into
the organisation. Notably, we have:
• Started to deliver on our virtual
services strategy by focusing on
the growing use of technology
to deliver more efficient and
effective services for victims of
crime, and building a more
tech-savvy VSS. Critical to
this was the modernisation
of the VSS website. Given
that more than 50 per cent
of web users now browse
using a mobile phone or
tablet, our old site had
become obsolete because
it was incompatible with
mobile devices. The new
site fixes this issue and
provides a more informative
and efficient information
resource for users, including:
• enabling client enquiry forms to
be completed online
• increasing our research
capability and use of research
data to inform our practice and
• continuing the transformation
of service delivery through the
implementation of new Models
of Service.
I would like to take this opportunity
to acknowledge all of the VSS staff
members for their enthusiasm,
continued commitment and hard
work; the Board for its leadership and
commitment to our vision of all people
impacted by crime and abuse in South
Australia accessing the support they
need throughout their recovery and
justice journey; our funders for their
continued confidence in our work; and
lastly our volunteers who play such
a key, but often understated, role in
assisting victims to cope and recover
from crime.
Throughout 2015-16 our services
have touched many lives and many
communities. This Report seeks to
highlight the impact of our services in
the community by depicting the work
that our staff and volunteers do day-in
day-out for, and on behalf of, victims.
Julian Roffe
Chief Executive
VICTIM SUPPORT SERVICE
6. OUR PURPOSE
To provide integrated
safety, counselling and
justice support services
to people impacted by
crime and abuse in
South Australia
3
7. 4
Victim Support Service (VSS) is a statewide, independent not-for-profit
organisation in South Australia that has been providing support to people
affected by crime and family/domestic abuse since 1979. Our specialist
teams provide practical and therapeutic support to help people to
cope and recover from the effects of crime. Our services are free
and available to any adult in SA, whether or not the crime has been
reported and regardless of when it happened.
With almost 40 years’ experience, we know the impact that crime
has on people’s lives and what it takes to help them get their lives
back on track. We’re proud to serve victims and witnesses in South
Australia by campaigning for their rights and helping to improve their
experiences of the criminal justice system.
We offer people who have been affected by crime:
Safety
• Safety assessments and home security upgrades
• Legal advice and representation regarding Intervention Orders
• Advice and representation in tenancy matters arising from family and domestic abuse
Support
• Information and referrals through our Helpdesk on 1800 VICTIM (842846)
• Supportive and therapeutic counselling
• Face-to-face, telephone and outreach services
• Support for co-victims of homicide
• Support services funded by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse
• Fact sheets and brochures
• Resource Centre
Justice
• Support to navigate the criminal justice system, including Court Companions
• Information and assistance with Victims of Crime Compensation
• An amplified voice through our research, advocacy, media
and training.
• Assistance with Victim Impact Statements
People respond to crime in
different ways. Hence, our
support programs need to
be sufficiently flexible to
provide the emotional and
practical help that people
need, enabling them to find
comfort and the strength to
take control after crime.
THIS IS VSS
8. OUR VISION
All people impacted by
crime and abuse in South
Australia can access
the support they need
throughout their recovery
and justice journey
VSS VALUES
The demanding nature of our work requires
a collaborative approach where we respect
the unique skills and insights that everyone
brings to the challenges we face
RESPECTFUL
We recognise the impact of trauma and
support our clients through safe, integrated
and accessible services throughout their
journey towards recovery and justice
TRAUMA-
INFORMED
We work alongside victims of crime to effect
positive change at an individual and systemic
levelEMPOWERING
56
9. 7
VSS BOARD
Governance
VSS is governed by a board of nine members who have been elected to bring a range of skills and expertise
to the organisation. The role of the Board is to govern, that is to:
• ensure the relevance and appropriateness of VSS’s strategic direction and policy framework
• deal with the role, remuneration, performance and tenure of the Chief Executive
• ensure the financial viability of VSS and
• ensure compliance with all statutory and common law duties and obligations and the terms and
conditions in all contractual, funding, and service agreements.
Compliance
VSS is a not-for-profit incorporated association and seeks to comply with the ASX Corporate Governance
Principles 2014.
VSS has been awarded Certificate status against the Australian Service Excellence Standards, an
internationally accredited quality improvement program owned by the Department for Communities and
Social Inclusion, aimed at supporting non-government organisations in the Community Service Sector across
Australia.
VSS is also working towards White Ribbon Accreditation as an organisation that is taking active steps to
prevent and respond to violence against women.
Our internal quality control measures include:
• mandatory tertiary qualifications for all counselling staff
• mandatory induction for all staff
• ongoing professional development and training
• in-house clinical supervision and vicarious trauma program
• accreditation and review processes
• regular performance reporting and analysis
• published policies and procedures
• transparent processes for clients, staff, and stakeholders to provide feedback and complaints and
• regular internal auditing.
Karen Fullagar - Chair
Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and the Governor’s
Leadership Foundation and holds an MBA, Grad Dip HRM and BSc (Psych)
Karen has brought a range of strategic leadership, corporate governance and
change management skills to the Board from her role as the Senior Manager of
Organisational Development at Playford Council.
Elected 2015 - 3 year term
Shaun Matters - Treasurer
Certified Practising Accountant (CPA)
Shaun has supported the refinement of financial and performance reporting
at VSS from his role as General Manager of Finance and IT at SHine SA and
previously as Director of Corporate Services at the South Australian
Courts Administration Authority.
Elected 2015 - 3 year term
10. Richard Fletcher - Board Member
Bachelor of Law, Bachelor or Arts, Graduate Diploma of Education and Master of
Education
Richard supports VSS to shape vital changes to the Victims of Crime Fund from his
role as a compensation lawyer for victims of crime.
Elected 2015 - 2 year term*
Jayne Stinson - Board Member
SA Press Club TV Reporter of the Year
Jayne has played a key role in strengthening the media presence of VSS from her
role as Senior Reporter, Presenter and Producer with Seven News.
Elected 2015 - 2 year term
James Blandford - Board Member
Advanced Diploma in Human Resource Management
As Superintendent, Officer in Charge of the Local Murray Mallee Local Service Area,
James acts as a key link between VSS and South Australian Police (SAPOL).
Elected 2015 - 3 year term
*on leave of absence since February 2016
VSS BOARD
Jacqui Poltera - Board Member
Doctor of Philosophy
Jacqui has brought high-level human resource, operational, strategic and change-
management experience to the Board from her previous roles as Manager of
Workforce Capability at the Primary Health Network and Manager of Aboriginal
Health at Medicare Local in Tasmania.
Appointed 2016 - 2 year term
8
11. 9
Jo Chapley - Board Member
Masters in Aboriginal Studies
Jo has brought corporate and legal knowledge to the Board from her role as a
lawyer specialising in commercial and employment law and plays an active role in
the family business, the Chapley Group of Foodland supermarkets.
Elected October 2015 - 1 year term
Bryan Morden - Board Member
Retired from SAPOL in July 2015 after 43 years
Bryan has brought considerable insight to the Board through his active engagement
in VSS volunteer programs and as a former Police Prosecutor.
Elected October 2015 - 1 year term
Lucy Boulger - Board Member
Masters Degree in Health and Social Care Management and Leadership
Lucy provides insights in to offender-related issues, human service delivery and
victim services from her role as Director of Families SA, previously as Director of
Offender Rehabilitation at DCS, and as a volunteer for Victim Support UK.
Appointed 2016 - to AGM
Sharon Lockwood - Board Member
Bachelor of Social Work
Sharon has brought counselling and service development experience to the Board
from her role as Social Work Coordinator at Yarrow Place Rape and Sexual Assault
Service.
Appointed 2016 - to AGM
12. EXECUTIVE TEAM
The Executive Team is the primary decision-making group responsible for operationalising strategy and
delivering results.
The CE and Executive Team are empowered by the Board to manage VSS by:
• advising and informing the Board in its governance role
• working with the Board to reach agreed strategic and business outcomes within the appropriate
budgetary and financial framework
• managing all of the day-to-day affairs and activities of the organisation within the Board-endorsed
strategic, policy, risk, people and financial framework
• attracting, motivating and retaining suitably qualified senior managers and staff to deliver programs and
services
• providing reports, analysis and recommendations to the Board to inform strategy and progress against
strategy and
• implementing Board decisions and directives.
Julian Roffe
Chief Executive
Appointed: 2013
Key Responsibilities:
• Strategic and Business
Planning
• Organisational Performance
• Board Reporting
Jodie Sloan
Manager - Client Services and
Deputy Chief Executive
Appointed: 2007
Key Responsibilities:
• Helpdesk
• Counselling Services
• Regional Services
• Staying Home Staying Safe
• Royal Commission Support
Service
• Family Safety Framework
• Volunteer Services
Katherine McLachlan
Manager - Quality & Research
Appointed: 2015
Key Responsibilities:
• Quality Assurance
• Research
• Advocacy
• Community education and
training
• Media
• Resource Centre
Louise Bastian
Manager - Business Development
& Communications
Appointed: 2014
Key Responsibilities:
• New revenue streams
• Branding and Marketing
• Stakeholders and members
Debra Spizzo
Manager - Legal Services
Appointed: 2015
Key Responsibilities:
• Women’s Domestic Violence
Court Assistance Service
• In-house counsel
Nyembe Kalua
Manager - Corporate Services
Appointed: 2008
Key Responsibilities:
• Finance and Assets
• Organisational Development
• Human Resources
10
13. 12
OUR PEOPLE
VSS Staff
VSS’s average headcount across the year was 44 employees. We have a high proportion of employees
undertaking part time work arrangements (57% of the workforce). The average total FTE for VSS during
2015 was 33. Approximately 30 per cent of the organisations headcount are under the age of 35 and 53per
cent have been working for VSS for less than two years. This is a critical element in workforce planning and
investing in the continuous professional development of our staff.
A succession planning framework is under development by the VSS Executive and Board.
VSS Volunteers
In 1979 victims of crime established VSS in order to provide mutual support and to advocate for improved
services and rights for victims. So volunteering goes to the origins of VSS.
Today, VSS volunteers support victims of crime across all metropolitan and regional locations and in all areas
of the organisation. They offer their skills, their time and their experience to help to put into practice
the work that we do to support victims of crime. As well as providing direct assistance to crime
victims, our skilled volunteers contribute to our research, help run our advocacy campaigns
and events, raise funds, and provide administrative support at our offices.
Julian Roffe
Chief Executive
Debra Spizzo
Manager
Legal Services
Jodie Sloan
Manager
Client Services
Ela Samoraj
Clinical Supervisor
Jac Taylor
Assistant Manager
Counselling
Nikki Lamshed
Assistant Manager
Regional Services
& SHSS
Katherine McLachlan
Manager
Quality and
Research
Louise Bastian
Manager
Business
Development &
Communications
Nyembe Kalua
Manager
Corporate Services
11
14. 2016 will see the roll out of our Strategic Plan for 2016-2019. At the heart of our strategic priorities remains a foc
of our clients and the community. We have a key focus on achieving transformational change by delivering all of
complement our face to face services and give us the best reach while ensuring that services are accessible and
13
2016 will see the roll out of our Strategic Plan for 2016-2019. At the heart of our strategic priorities remains a focu
of our clients and the community. We have a key focus on achieving transformational change by delivering all of
complement our face to face services and give us the best reach while ensuring that services are accessible and
15. cus on client outcomes. We are driven to achieve enduring positive change and making a difference in the lives
f our services across digital channels – including email, web chat, video and telephone. We believe this will
d timely.
us on client outcomes. We are driven to achieve enduring positive change and making a difference in the lives
f our services across digital channels – including email, web chat, video and telephone. We believe this will
d timely.
14
16. PERFORMANCE
Staying Home
Staying Safe
wins State Merit Award
as part of the
National Crime and
Violence Awards
1284
referrals for increased
home security for
victims of domestic
abuse
WDVCAS2
program established
243
victims or witnesses
supported in court by
Court Companions
443
Family Safety
Framework meetings
supported
43605
client contacts
VSS WHYALLA
co-locates with
SAPOL
1. Practice Information Management System
2. Womens Domestic Violence Court Assistance Service
340
Facebook likes
546
Twitter followers
15
17. 1630
people attended
training and conference
days
15
research and advocacy
publications
PIMS1
implemented across
organisation
37
years that VSS has
been in service
450
women assisted by the
WDVCAS Program
200
court appearances
in support of women
seeking Intervention
Orders
490
registered borrowers
of the Resource Centre
PSYCHOLOGICAL
ASSESSMENT
service established
566
professionals receiving
monthly E-news
10265
users to the new
VSS website
SAFELY
TOGETHER
program established
for children
112
co-victims of homicide
supported
16
18. Keeping People Safe
Staying Home Staying Safe (SHSS)
This written
feedback from a SHSS client shows the relief and gratitude that reflects the
response from women and children across the State affected by family and domestic
abuse who have been assisted to remain in their homes through the provision of
tailored security upgrade packages. This lies at the core of the SHSS program.
In 2015-16 SHSS received a Tier One Performance Review status from our funder, the Department for
Communities and Social Inclusion (DCSI).
The program also won a State Merit Award as part of the National Crime and Violence Prevention Awards.
The Award recognised the major contribution the program has made to combatting family and domestic
violence in South Australia, which represents a 115 per cent increase since the program started four years
ago.
SHSS will double its annual funding from 2016-17 to $1.2m as part of the Australian Government’s investment
in ‘Keeping Women Safe in their Homes’ programs.
Family Safety Framework
In 2015-126 VSS provided administrative support to 443 Family Safety Framework meetings across 18 police
local service areas (LSAs).
VSS won a tender to train 400 Housing SA and homelessness workers in the FSF and the use of family and
domestic violence risk assessments.
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160
Kangaroo Island (Victor Harbor)
Whyalla
Ceduna
Adelaide Hills (Mt Barker)
APY Lands
Gawler Barossa
Coober Pedy
Port Lincoln
Murray Bridge - Murraylands
Riverland - Berri
Limestone Coast - Mount Gambier
Port Pirie - Yorke & Mid North
Port Augusta
Adelaide Eastern - CBD
Sturt
Western Metro - Port Adelaide
Northern Metro - Elizabeth
South Coast - Noarlunga
Holden Hill
NewReferralstoFSMbyRegion
(2015/16)
OUR PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
50%increase in
funding for
SHSS
17
OUR PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
19. 18
Providing Support
1800 VICTIM Helpdesk
Since January 2015, VSS has been providing initial
support to victims of crime through our free call
1800 VICTIM Helpdesk. Helpdesk staff screen,
assess and respond to the needs of callers. They
provide information and referrals which can include:
• information on victims of crime compensation
• information on common reactions, the impact of crime and coping
strategies
• guidance on reporting crime
• assistance with Victim Impact Statements
• procedural information on the judicial system.
A two-tiered design was successfully implemented following an initial
trial in September 2014 whereby callers speak initially with a Helpdesk
operator to discuss their circumstance and, if sufficient to their needs,
obtain procedural information and referrals. Callers who present with
complex needs or in distress maybe immediately transferred to a VSS
Counsellor who can assist them further.
Counselling Services
The VSS Counselling and Support Service (VCSS) is funded through
the South Australian Victims of Crime Fund to provide counselling and
support to victims of crime and their family members living in SA. In 2016
the service celebrated its 37th year.
VCSS counsellors are able to provide services to victims of crime
throughout the State through a range of service delivery options
including face-to-face counselling, telephone counselling, and assistance
with the preparation of Victim Impact Statements.
VCSS is a free service that victims of crime can access 9.00 to 5.00
Monday to Friday via our 1800 VICTIM Helpdesk (1800 842846) or online
referral via our website at www.victimsa.org/get-help
100The number
of callers the
Helpdesk is able
to assist
per day
20. Since 2002 VSS has been providing support services
through a state-wide network of service centres.
Victim Support Coordinators (VSCs) are employed in
seven regional centres, from Mount Gambier in the
South East through to Murray Bridge, Berri, Port Pirie,
Port Augusta, Whyalla and Port Lincoln. VSCs are
able to help victims access the full range of support
services, including counselling, Staying Home
Staying Safe, Royal Commission Support Services
and Court Companions.
VSCs lead and collaborate with key stakeholders in
their regions on a variety of committees and action
groups. Violence Against Women collaborations
continue to drive community events such as White
Ribbon Day, Remembrance Day and a variety of
community expos and campaigns. This year, during
the 16 Days of Activism, successful White Ribbon Day
Events were held across Regional South Australia.
Candlelight Vigils are also held in a number of
regional areas to honour those women and children
killed as a result of domestic and family violence.
These events receive a great deal of media attention
and in 2015-2016 VSS has had a total of 34 mentions
through regional media outlets.
Community engagement and education consistently
plays a large role for our VSCs. Throughout this
year staff have attended a variety of expos and field
days providing community members and stakeholder
agencies with key information on VSS services.
VSS continues to progress with our plans to increase
the number of regional offices co-located with
SAPOL. This service model continues to be a great
success in Pt Augusta and Whyalla, assisting our staff
to develop strong relationships with SAPOL.
The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses
to Child Sexual Abuse commenced in Sydney on
16 September 2013. It has held public hearings and
private sessions across Australia, including Adelaide.
VSS provides support to any individual affected by
the Royal Commission into Institutional Response to
Child Sexual Abuse through the Royal Commission
Support Services (RCSS). This support includes
counselling, both face-to-face and or telephone,
assistance with making statements, attending private
hearings with clients, referral to appropriate services,
and information about the Royal Commission
process. The support services program is funded
by the Australia Government. VSS has received
additional funding of $712K to provide support
services through to June 2018.
Any community member who has been affected
by Royal Commission into Institutional Response to
Child Sexual Abuse can contact VSS RCSS. Support
in the form of counselling, referral to other relevant
service providers and providing information about
the Royal Commission processes is available before,
during and after engagement with the Commission.
VSS has partnered with the Survivors and Mates
Support Network (SAMSN) to support groups and an
eight week therapeutic program for male survivors of
child sexual abuse.
Regional Services
Royal Commission
19
21. OUR PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
First Response
In December 2014, Victim Support Service (VSS) received funding from DCSI’s
Community Benefit Program to implement training to establish a new Volunteer
Program within VSS.
The First Response Volunteer Training Program was designed to recruit and train new
volunteers to provide short-term emotional support, information, practical advice and
referral to victims of crime to increase VSS engagement and support of volunteers,
improve wellbeing, community safety and access to support services.
As a part of this new initiative the target group for the program was people who
lived in Western Adelaide who have experienced property crimes that do not
involve violence i.e. property crime that include:
• damage or attempted damage
• arson or attempted arson
• theft, fraud (‘identity theft’)
• offences of property (vehicles)
• trespass (residential, sport/club or business property)
• damage or loss sustained during this crime does not exceed $30,000.00.
As a result of the First Response Program, two groups of new volunteers were trained in the
Program with a team of six core volunteers maintaining First Response
throughout. Since the program, First Response volunteers continued to be
involved with VSS supporting victims of crime through events management (e.g.
SALA exhibition).
The First Response Program included training of 142 SAPOL Patrol officers in the
Western Adelaide Local Service Area and information and education for general
members of the public. The result of this community awareness program is an
increased understanding of the role of VSS, how VSS can support victims of
crime and how to refer clients to VSS.
“I enjoyed the
training and
learned a lot”
OUR PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
“The training
enthused me for
the role”
20
“my knowledge
to assist those
in need has been
enhanced”
“I Felt well
supported and
encouraged”
22. Women’s Domestic Violence Court Assistance Service (WDVCAS)
Launched in July 2015, WDVCAS has been acknowledged by the Australian Pro Bono Centre as as one of
the highest performing pro bono legal practices in Australia.
During 2015-16, the service supported 450 women, including over 200 court
appearances.
In December 2015 the WDVCAS, in partnership with Gartland Law and the Central
DV Service, won the 2015 D3 Digital Challenge. The program involves teaming
up digital entrepreneurs with community organisations to design and deliver
solutions to social issues. This year the focus was on family and domestic abuse.
Our initiative involved the development of voice recognition software that can be
accessed from an app on a smartphone that responds to specific family and domestic
abuse-related enquiries with accurate and instant information and advice.
OUR PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
Achieving Justice
Court Companion Service
Throughout South Australia trained volunteers are able to provide Court Companion support to those victims
of crime and witnesses. This program can assist with:
• helping the victim understand the court process
• organising access to a safe waiting area, where the victim can wait before they give evidence
• going to court with the victim and being there for them before, during and after they give evidence.
Victim Impact Statement
Victims of certain serious or prescribed offences can provide a
written Victim Impact Statement (VIS) to the sentencing court.
In 2015-16 we helped victims of crime to write and present their
VIS in courts across South Australia.
Compensation Claims
During 2015-16 VSS strengthened our Compensation Assessment
Service. Psychologists prepare clinical reports as part of their
assessment for Victims of Crime Compensation.
Compensation under the South Australian Government’s
compensation scheme. This year we completed 40 compensation
assessments and we hope to double that number in 2016-17.
450women supported
by the WDVCAS
Team
21
OUR PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
23. INFORMATION AND EDUCATION
22
INFORMATION AND EDUCATION
Website
The revamped VSS website has been up and running for a year. In the last 12
months, the number of new visitors to our website has increased by nearly 60 per
cent. Visit the VSS website to discover how we support people impacted
by crime and abuse in South Australia.
• Get Help
• Get Resources
• Get Involved
• Create Change
• Contact VSS
Victims’ Voice
Our quarterly newsletter keeps our clients and members up to date about the work we do to improve the
support and treatment of victims of crime in South Australia.
Get the latest Victims’ Voice
Crime Victim E-news
Our monthly electronic newsletter features a key editorial from VSS’s Chief Executive, and links to current
information on crime-related topics such as child protection, crime prevention, domestic abuse, justice, and
the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. Crime Victim E-news is emailed to
566 recipients each month (except December and January). E-news can also be viewed on the VSS website
at www.victimsa.org
Resource Centre
The VSS Resource Centre is a specialised collection to support victims
of crime, their family and friends and professional counsellors and case
workers. It includes both self-help materials for those surviving crime and
trauma and professional resources in areas such as trauma-informed
practice, counselling and social work.
More information about the Resource Centre is available on the new VSS
website at www.victimsa.org/get-resources. Recent website improvements
include an online membership form and easier access to the electronic
books and online resources. The online catalogue at www.victimsa.org/
book-search now lists more than 2,000 resources.
2015-16 saw a growing demand for more resources relating to domestic
abuse, reflecting the increase in DV-related referrals to VSS. We have
now added resources on life after leaving a violent relationship, including
resources for parents.
Use of the Resource Centre continues to increase with
membership growing by 113 to nearly 500 over the
course of 2015-16, and a 26 per cent increase in
loans to 385.
60%increase in visitors
to the VSS
website
44636page views on the
VSS website
24. Community Education & Training
VSS is funded by the Attorney-General’s Department to provide
consultancy and training to a broad range of service providers on
victim-related issues. Many of our staff regularly provide public
awareness and information sessions to the criminal justice and social
welfare sectors.
During 2015-16, more than 1,600 people attended VSS training and
community events.
Key elements of our Child Victims of Crime
Advocacy Campaign were a symposium
focusing on Juvenile Co-Victims of
Domestic Violence Homicide in
September 2015, and a conference in
November entitled ‘Improving Justice
and Support for Child and Adolescent
Victims of Crime’. Both events aimed
to highlight the dearth of services for
children who have experienced crime in
South Australia.
In addition to providing training to SAPOL
Cadets and Prosecutors, VSS staff also presented on the SAPOL Domestic Violence
Investigators Course and to SAPOL Patrols in Western Adelaide Local Service Area
regarding our First Response Pilot Program.
In 2016-17, VSS intends to strengthen our training options, including Seminars
in partnership with other not-for-profit organisations, government agencies and
universities. VSS is also keen to explore new ways of making training material and
content available through ‘virtual events’ and webinars.
INFORMATION AND EDUCATION
“The victim/SAPOL
video was useful in
showing both sides
of an incident and
how small things
make a difference”
“You guys should
be really proud; you
pulled off a great
night. Good balance
of perspectives, etc”
Media and Social Media
VSS engages with the media to promote the rights of victims of crime and to support
key advocacy campaigns when we are lobbying for change.
140media mentions
14media releases
23
140media mentions
14media releases
25. 24
RESEARCH AND ADVOCACY
Submissions and Reports
Better Sentencing Options: Creating the best
outcome for our community (August 2015)
VSS argued that any plans to expand alternative
punishments for offenders should be balanced
with a parallel investment in systems and services
that support the rehabilitation of victims. VSS also
advocated for more engagement and consultation
with victims of crime, to inspire confidence in victims
that a broader, more flexible range of ways for the
Courts and the Department for Correctional Services
(DCS) to manage offenders will improve community
safety. Unfortunately, the last survey of victims in SA
occurred 22 years ago.
Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to
Child Sexual Abuse – Issues Paper 10: Advocacy
and support and therapeutic treatment services
(November 2015)
VSS argued for continued provision of victim/survivor
services in recognition of their long term needs.
Improving Justice and Support for Child and
Adolescent Victims of Crime: Conference Report
(November 2015)
VSS commissioned DemocracyCo to summarise the
outcomes from the Improving Justice and Support for
Child and Adolescent Victims of Crime Conference
with a particular emphasis on the discussion had by
participants about their views on what is needed to
better support young victims of crime.
Liquor Licensing Act 1997 (SA) Review Submission
(January 2016)
The Attorney-General’s Department (SA) released a
Liquor Licensing Discussion Paper in late 2015. One
of the key topics for consideration relates to ‘a safer
drinking culture’ and alcohol-related harms. On 29
January 2016, VSS made a submission to the Review
of the Liquor Licensing Act 1997. VSS supported the
submission prepared by the Foundation for Alcohol
Research and Education (FARE). We agree that
prevention of alcohol harms should be the priority in
undertaking this Review.
Revenge Porn Submissions (February 2016)
On the 12 November 2015 the Legal and Constitutional
Affairs References Committee of the Australian Senate
initiated an inquiry into the phenomenon colloquially
referred to as ‘revenge porn’, which involves sharing
private sexual images and recordings of a person without
their consent, with the intention to cause that person
harm. VSS made a submission to the Inquiry on 12
January 2016. Victoria Laughton and Katherine McLachlan
appeared before the Committee on 18 February and
received 25 media mentions as a result.
VSS also made a submission to the AGD (SA) regarding
the Draft Summary Offences (Filming and Sexting
Offences) Amendment Bill 2015.
26. Transforming Criminal Justice: Information
Management (April 2016)
We made a submission to the Criminal Justice Sector
Reform Council on Information Management.
Services for Child Victims of Crime: Snapshot Survey
(February 2016)
VSS released findings from a snapshot survey
designed to build a better understanding of the
services sought and accessed for child victims of
crime by their parents or caregivers.
Child Victims of Crime Discussion Paper (March
2016)
VSS invited input and comment from any interested parties
on the services required to address the needs of children
and young people1 who have been traumatised by
crime.
Sentencing (First Principles) Bill 2016 (March 2016)
On 11 March VSS made a submission to the Director
of Justice Sector Reform (Attorney-General’s
Department) regarding the proposed amendments
to the sentencing principles in the Criminal Law
(Sentencing) Act 1988. The sentencing principles
set out the fundamental purpose of sentencing and
the universal factors to be taken into account in
sentencing. A copy of the submission is available on
the website.
Domestic Violence and Gender Inequality (March
2016)
We made a submission to the Finance and Public
Administration References Committee regarding domestic
abuse and Gender Inequality.
Indefinite detention of people with cognitive and
psychiatric impairment in Australia (April 2016)
We made a joint submission with the Disability
Advocacy and Complaints Service of South Australia
(DACSSA) and the Hon Kelly Vincent MLC, leader of
Dignity for Disability to the Senate Community Affairs
References Committee.
Connecting the Criminal Justice System through
Information Management Discussion Paper (April
2016)
In March 2016 the South Australian Government
released the Transforming Criminal Justice: Putting
People First Discussion Paper on Connecting
the criminal justice system through information
management. Our submission examines strategies
to improve information sharing through better
business practices and the use of technology by
criminal justice agencies. At present, the needs and
expectations of victims are not well understood and
met by the agencies of the criminal justice system.
We are concerned that efficiency considerations
will be used as the overarching indicators of a more
victim-focused criminal justice system when, in fact,
victims’ rights enshrined in legislation remain largely
overlooked.
All VSS publications can be accessed via the VSS
website at www.victimsa.org/create-change
RESEARCH AND ADVOCACY
Submissions and Reports
25
RESEARCH AND ADVOCACY
27. 26
Research
Listening to victims is essential to our understanding of their lived experiences of crime and what needs to
change to improve their treatment by the criminal justice system. Their input helps VSS to achieve real and
lasting change through evidence-based research and advocacy.
VSS established a Research Agenda in January 2016 which reflects our current strategic targets and our
advocacy priorities. The Agenda was used as basis of consultation with a range of potential research
partners, including the Commissioner for Victims’ Rights, Flinders University and the Department for
Correctional Services.
The research undertaken by VSS staff and volunteers is designed to promote continuous improvement in
service delivery as well as underpin our advocacy campaigns (see Case Study: Child Victims of Crime).
Advocacy through Committees and Workgroups
VSS advocates on behalf of victims of crime through its membership of the following Committees and
Workgroups:
• ‘A Right to Safety’ Provision and Protection
Working Group (Office for Women)
• Addressing Violence Alliance
• ANROWS Practitioner Engagement Group
• Australia and New Zealand Society of
Criminology Committee of Management
• Barriers to Justice
• Courts Community Reference Group
• Coalition of Women’s DV Services SA
• Family Safety Framework Implementation
Committee
• Family Safety Framework meetings across 18
Local Service Areas (various agencies)
• Gambling Intervention Program Steering
Committee
• Homicide Support Network (various agencies)
• Intervention Programs Consultative Committee
• Magistrates Family Violence Court Users Group
• Mid North Homelessness and Domestic
Violence Action Group Meeting
• Mid North Homelessness Collaboration
Meeting
• Ministerial Workgroup on Women Offenders
• Parole Board of South Australia
• Port Pirie Domestic Violence Action Group
Meeting
• Serious Offender Committee, DCS
• South Australian Family Law Pathways Group
• Women Lawyers Association
• Yorke & Northern Rural Region Rural Rape and
Sexual Response Team Meeting
• YP (Yorke Peninsula) SPOKE
• Rape and sexual assault network (RASAN,
Riverland)
• Riverland Community Service Alliance (RCSA)
• Riverland Violence against women (VAWC)
• Murray Bridge Regional Collaboration on
Violence Against Women and Children.
28. Victims of Crime (Compensation) Amendment Bill 2015 (SA)
In February 2016 the Victims of Crime (Compensation) Amendment Bill 2015 (SA) passed the Legislative
Council, doubling the maximum compensation available for victims of crime in South Australia from $50,000
to $100,000. In addition, for the first time, grief payments were eligible to children of adult homicide victims.
However, the new laws may make it more difficult for some victims to access compensation, and the re-
drawn injury scale will mean many victims will be eligible for only a minor increase in compensation for non-
economic loss.
Our calculations suggest that the level of compensation paid to the majority of victims under the new scale
will represent an extremely modest increase, especially in the context of a two-decade hiatus in the level of
compensation payments and an ever-growing Victims of Crime Fund.
At VSS, we advocated that the fairest and most appropriate action would have been to double pay-outs
across the board to all eligible victims.
Support services for child and adolescent victims of crime
(Case Study: Child Victims of Crime)
In 2015-16, VSS sought to highlight the need for improved victim services for children and young people.
To raise the profile and urgency of this issue, on 10 November 2015 VSS, in partnership with Anglicare SA,
VSS hosted the Improving Justice and Support for Child and Adolescent Victims of Crime Conference. At
this event a diverse group of almost 100 representatives from across the non-government and government
sectors with an interest in supporting young victims of crime met to hear experts in the field talk about the
quality and extent of support for young victims and to consider and discuss what should be done to address
the gap in service provision. The consistent experience of delegates was that children and young people
who have experienced trauma as a result of crime, who fall outside the scope of child protection and mental
health agencies, do not have access to the services they require to recover from their experiences, leading
to issues in later life.
VSS undertook a snapshot survey of current clients from 14 December 2015 to 31 January 2016 to determine
how many clients of VSS have children who have also been affected by crime, what supports have been
contacted (if any), and what services they would seek for their children (were such services available).
Over the 28 work days that the survey was run, 20 adult clients were surveyed who, between them,
identified 41 children who had been impacted by the crime that led the adult to engage with VSS.
Fifteen caregivers provided further information about the offending that had impacted on their children.
The majority were domestic/family violence (53.0%), followed by sexual offences (29.4%), assault (11.8%) and
homicide (5.9%).
VSS also developed a discussion paper in response to the recommendations that flowed our of the
November Conference. This builds on and continues the commitment and engagement of key stakeholders.
The feedback from the discussion paper was consolidated into a summary report.
In June 2016, VSS won a Crime Prevention Grant for $97,000 for the Safely Together Program, which
will provide a ‘one-stop-shop’ for children and protective parents to assist in recovery from the trauma of
domestic abuse through effective, evidence-based strategies. The Safely Together Program will augment
existing adult services, promoting a collaborative, wrap-around response to children who have experienced
domestic abuse and are at risk of future contact with the criminal justice system.
CAMPAIGNS
27
29. 28
FINANCIAL SNAPSHOT
Summary of Income and Expenses
AGD 53%
DCSI 19%
OfW 15%
DSS 11%
Investment 1%
Other 1%
Type of Income (2015/16)
Employment Expenses 69%
Client Expenses 11%
Admin/Operating Expenses 11%
Communication Expenses 6%
Travel and Accommodation 3%
Volunteer 0%
Type of Expenses (2015/16)
Summary of Statement of Financial Position
2016 ($) 2015 ($)
Current Assets 403,290 467,418
Non-Current Assets 557,186 534,835
Total Assets 960,476 1,002,253
Current Liabilities 467,627 463,800
Non Current Liabilities 9,279 6,609
Total Liabilities 476,906 470,409
Net Assets 483,570 531,844
Revenues in 2015-16 increased by 13 per cent to $3.7 (against a backdrop of no increase in funds from the
Attorney- General’s Department (AGD) through the Victims of Crime Fund since 2001). This is significantly
ahead of our strategic target to get to $3.4 million by 2017, with revenues in 16-17 budgeted at over
$4 million.
Expenses increased proportionately, but one of the issues we are conscious of is that expenses, especially
salaries, will increase by more than the rate of Consumer Price Index over the next four years, yet our
funding from the AGDs has for many years been set at CPI.
So, at the very time when we are seeing a significant increase in demand for our services, in real terms our
resources are set to shrink.
One way to offset this is to bring in alternative funding sources and in 2015-16, for the first time in our history,
VSS received more funding through other sources than through the Victims of Crime Fund.
Our small Operating Deficit of $14,000 in 2015 was due to investment in some strategic projects, including a
new case management system, whilst our assets performed in line with the market.
Overall, the organisation is in a good financial position which is
enabling the Board and management team to deliver on their key
strategic goals of improving services for victims, investing in staff,
and building our advocacy and research capabilities.
30. VSS Funding Bodies
Attorney-General’s Department (SA)
Department for Communities & Social Inclusion (SA)
Community Benefit SA
Office for Women (SA)
Office for Volunteers (SA)
Department for Social Services (Cth)
Department for Screen & Media - Flinders University
Families SA, Department for Education & Child
Development (SA)
VSS Community Partners
SAPOL
Australiasian Society for Traumatic Stress Studies
(ASTSS)
Uniting Communities
Department for Correctional Services
Disability Advocacy & Complaints Service of South
Australia (DACSSA)
Dignity for Disability (D4D)
Centre for Crime Policy & Research - Flinders Law
School
Adelaide Law School
Faculty of Arts, University of Adelaide
Addressing Violence Alliance
School of Social & Policy Studies - Flinders
University
School of Psychology - Flinders University
YWCA
Relationships Australia SA
Yarredi Services
Paddocks Community Centre
VSS SUPPORTERS
29
31. 30
VSS CONTACT DETAILS
VSS Helpdesk Number: 1800 VICTIM (1800 842846)
VSS Website: www.victimsa.org
Adelaide
33 Franklin Street
Email: info@victimsa.org
Berri
2A Ahern Street
Email: riverland@victimsa.org
Mount Gambier
Mount Gambier Courthouse
41 Bay Road
Email: southeast@victimsa.org
Murray Bridge
Unit 2, 1 First Avenue
Email: murraylands@victimsa.org
Port Augusta
Port Augusta Courthouse
4 Flinders Terrace
Port Augusta Police Station
106 Commercial Road
Email: augusta@victimsa.org
Port Lincoln
Mortlock Clinic
52 Mortlock Terrace
Email: lincoln@victimsa.org
Port Pirie
106B Main Road
Email: pirie@victimsa.org
Whyalla
Whyalla Police Station
3 Whitehead Street
Email: whyalla@victimsa.org
