What VWCCS Does

Providing a helping hand...

VWCCS was established to inform and support victims and witnesses of crime within the unfamiliar environment of the court.

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For Victims & Witnesses

We know that appearing in court as a victim or a witness of crime can be both confusing and daunting. VWCCS can make this process easier for you by providing you with the information you need and being there with you at court to make you feel safe and comfortable. VWCCS can be there for you, if you need us, throughout the entire trial. Our service is free.

Find out how VWCCS can help victims & witnesses and what resources are available.

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For Agencies

VWCCS’s role is to be at court to support victims and witnesses of crime who have been required to attend court by the police. VWCCS’s aim is to prepare and support clients throughout criminal hearings so the best outcome can be achieved for both them and the prosecution.

Importantly, VWCCS does not provide advocacy services. The agency focuses solely on providing a court support service for victims and witnesses of crime.

VWCCS accepts referrals from various victims of crime agencies including police, prosecutors, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), organisations supporting victims of domestic violence (male and female), social workers and the general public.

The court support team consists of trained volunteers. The service is free to all victims and witnesses.

Find out how we can help agencies and their clients and the services we provide.

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VWCCS Newcastle Wins the Volunteer Team of the Year Award for the Hunter Region

The Centre for Volunteering has announced that VWCCS Newcastle has been selected as the 2020 Hunter Region Volunteer Team of the Year. The dedicated team of volunteers has provided invaluable emotional and practical support for people in extremely traumatic and...

Court Support Service for Victims Now Available in Newcastle

This service for victims and witnesses of crime is available for Local and District Court matters at Newcastle Court House. The extension of VWCCS’ network to include Newcastle was greatly assisted by the support of the NSW Attorney General, Mark Speakman.

Court Support for Victims in Newcastle

A service that helps victims and witnesses of crime prepare for court will be rolled out in Newcastle, Attorney General Mark Speakman and Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald announced today.

Fiona Matthews presents at the Annual Volunteers in Policing Conference

Fiona Matthews and Denis O'Connell attended the Annual Volunteers in Policing Conference at the Park Royal Hotel in Parramatta on Saturday, 20th May. Fiona gave a presentation on behalf of VWCCS and she and Denis received a number of inquiries from VIP's concerning...

Legislation to benefit victims and witnesses of crime

NSW undertakes ground breaking legislative reforms to support the victims and witnesses of crime.

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Locations

VWCCS has a permanent presence at several NSW courts in the Sydney CBD (Downing Centre) and Newcastle. We may also be to assist witnesses at other locations if advised a team member is available.

See the courts where VWCCS operates

Testimonials

“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…”

See what people say about us

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Contact

You can visit the VWCCS Reception and Information desk at the Downing Centre Courts (Sydney), contact us via phone, email, or by completing a contact form on this website.

See our contact details