Chair & CE
Report
Supporting victims to cope and recover
VSS has seen many changes since it was founded
36 years ago, but what has remained constant is that
victims in South Australia who need help when they
are at their most vulnerable have always been able to
turn to VSS for free, confidential and expert support.
The blend of therapeutic expertise combined with
knowledge of the criminal justice system enables
VSS staff to provide a bespoke response to victims of
crime, helping them both emotionally and practically.
This service model is unique to South Australia. Our
approach is augmented by our team of caring and
knowledgeable volunteers who guide victims through
the court process.
As they say, ‘a picture tells a thousand words’, so this
year our Annual Report uses a range of bold images
to provide members, stakeholders, supporters and
funders with an overview of how we have helped
victims, witnesses and communities across South
Australia throughout 2014-15. We thank photographer
Nigel Parsons for his help in bringing-to-life the
everyday, on-the-ground work of VSS staff and
volunteers throughout the pages of this Report.
2014-15 has seen VSS continue to deliver on its
key strategic objectives of extending our services
to victims, developing our expertise, increasing our
influence and building our supporter base. The new
Victim Helpdesk and 1800 VICTIM Helpline have
prompted a significant increase in new client referrals
and client contacts. Our ever-growing media profile
is testament to the quality of our victim research and
advocacy.
Moving forward, in 2015-16 VSS will launch our
new legal service for victims of family and domestic
violence – the Women’s DV Court Assistance Service.
Hence, for the first time, VSS will be able to provide
legal representation to victims. This represents a
significant addition to our service model, and is the
first time that victim services have been extended
through the Victims of Crime Fund since VSS
regional service centres were established in 2001.
In partnership with SAPOL, we will also pilot our
new volunteer program, First Response, to provide
immediate practical assistance to victims of property
crime. And shortly we will launch our revamped
website and client management information system.
At VSS we touch many ]