Victims and Witnesses of Crime Court Support | Victims and Witnesses of Crime Court Support

Latest news

Victims and Witnesses of Crime Court Support (VWCCS) has continued to support individuals attending court during the ongoing repairs to the Downing Centre building.

🟣 The District Court Support Team has maintained operations across courts throughout Sydney since the closure began on June 17.
🟣 The Local Court Team has been supporting clients at John Maddison Tower (JMT) and on occasion at Central Court.

We commend the dedication and adaptability of our volunteers during this period of disruption and look forward to returning to the Downing Centre early in 2026. Our Court Support Officers’ continued presence ensures that those navigating the court process receive compassionate and informed support—no matter the location.

For further information or support, please go to the contact page.

What people say

“Thank you so much for taking the time to talk me through the whole court process – it was very helpful & has gone a long way to making me feel calmer & more confident….”

Welcome

Since its establishment in 2006 VWCCS has supported almost 25,000 victims and witnesses of crime and assisted more than 260,000 court attendees.

Are you a VICTIM or WITNESS of crime appearing in court?

Find out how VWCCS can help
and support you in court.

Learn More

Are you an AGENCY working with victims & witnesses of crime?

Find out what skills VWCCS’s staff have
and what services VWCCS offers.

Learn More

Are you interested in GETTING INVOLVED with VWCCS?

Find out how you can assist VWCCS
by becoming a volunteer.

Learn More



Where VWCCS Operates

VWCCS has a permanent presence at courts in the Sydney CBD (Downing Centre), Parramatta and Newcastle.
We may also be able to assist witnesses at other locations if team members are available.

Learn more

|

What People Say

“I have the greatest admiration for VWCCS and having experienced first hand the help you give to so many people I cannot thank you enough… I will never forget your kindness.”

Read more testimonials

Our Statistics in Financial Year 2023/2024

Volunteer Hours Worked

Locations

Volunteers

People Supported

Enquiries Managed

2023/24 Annual Report

2022/23 Annual Report

i

VWCCS In The Press

“Parramatta Court helpers expand role”
Parramatta Sun, 7 January 2015.
read article

“Support in court helps distraught”
by Matt Strand, Parramatta Advertiser, 22 October 2014.
read article

“Confronting The Monster Within”
by Paul Sheehan, Sydney Morning Herald, 15 July 2013.
read article

“Pieta Thornton provides support as the founder of Victims and Witnesses of Crime Court Support”
by Lisa Herbertson, Parramatta Advertiser, 11 May 2014
read article



VWCCS News

Downing Centre Court Support Services Continue

Jul 21, 2025

Victims and Witnesses of Crime Court Support (VWCCS) has continued to support individuals attending court, during the ongoing repairs to the Downing Centre building. 🟣 The District Court Support Team has maintained operations across courts throughout Sydney since the...

VWCCS Introduces Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan

Dec 16, 2024

On December 6, at our Quarterly Training Day, we were proud to launch the VWCCS Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). This marks a significant milestone in our commitment to reconciliation and our dedication to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander...

VWCCS Operations Manager, Leanne Hillman, Wins NSW Volunteer of the Year

Dec 8, 2023

Image copyright Salty Dingo 2023VWCCS is very pleased to announce that our Operations Manager Leanne Hillman was selected as the 2023 NSW Volunteer of the Year. Leanne has been a volunteer Court Support Officer with the VWCCS since 2009 and her volunteering also...