Bethany Community Support in partnership with Barwon Centre Against Sexual Assault provides the Barwon Victims Assistance and Counselling Program (BVACP) offering a wide range of information, advocacy and support services to victims of reported and unreported violent crime.

BVACP aims to assist victims to make informed choices and to enable recovery from the effects of violent crime.

Services provided
Information and support services are available to anyone whose life has been affected as a result of violent crime.

The program offers support and advocacy along with assistance and information on police and legal issues.

Assistance is also available with the completion of Victim Impact Statements and applications to the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal (VOCAT).

Short term counselling is available to:

• Primary victims of sexual crime that has occurred and reported to the police in the previous 2 years.

• Primary victims of family violence occurring and reported to police in the previous twelve months, or where an intervention order has been granted within the previous 2 years are also eligible to receive counselling.

• Primary victims of other violent crime and related victims of homicide occurring and reported within the previous 2 years can also access this service.
  

A visiting service is based in Colac one day per week providing information, court support, practical assistance and counselling.

The program also works in the community, at schools and other organisations, to provide a range of community education activities.

BVACP is funded through the Department of Justice

Access
A referral is not required for these services. You can contact Bethany on 5278 8122 between 9am - 5pm weekdays.