Victims of Crime Counselling

Victims Services Counselling in NSW

As a PACFA-registered clinical counsellor, I am an approved provider of counselling under the NSW Victims Support Scheme. If you have experienced a crime in New South Wales, you may be entitled to free counselling sessions funded by Victims Services. These sessions are designed to support your recovery, help you feel safe again, and access the care you deserve.

Victims Services provides professional counselling to help victims of violent crime recover emotionally and mentally. Counselling is funded for up to 22 hours initially (more in certain circumstances), with no cost to you.

Who Can Access Counselling?

You may be eligible if:

  • You were injured as a direct result of a violent crime

  • You witnessed a violent crime

  • You are a parent or guardian of a child victim

Victims of crime in NSW can contact Victims Services for free and confidential information, advice, and referrals.

There is no time limit to apply for counselling.

What Does the Victims Support Scheme Offer?

The NSW Victims Support Scheme provides:

  • Free counselling to support your recovery

  • Financial support for urgent needs

  • Recognition payments and additional assistance, if eligible

The Scheme can help people who have been injured due to a violent crime or modern slavery in NSW.

How Many Sessions Are Funded?

You may receive:

  • Up to 22 hours of counselling, and

  • More hours can be approved in exceptional circumstances or for child victims of physical abuse or sexual assault.

Counselling is intended to help you recover from the psychological impacts of the crime.

How I Work as an Approved Counsellor

As an Approved Counsellor, I operate in line with the NSW guidelines which ensure safe, ethical and professional support. The guidelines emphasise:

  • Supporting your emotional and psychological recovery

  • Working in line with professional standards and legal obligations

  • Providing clear communication about the counselling process

  • Respect for confidentiality, safety, cultural background, and lived experience

Your safety and wellbeing sit at the centre of our work together.

What We Can Work On Together

Counselling includes support for:

  • Trauma and PTSD

  • Relationship or family violence

  • Assault or sexual assault

  • Grief, anxiety, shame, and self-blame

  • Rebuilding safety, confidence, identity, and empowerment

Whether your experience is recent or historic, counselling can help you restore a sense of stability, connection, and support.

About Mike

My name is Michael Vaccaro, and I am a PACFA-registered Clinical Counsellor and approved Victims Services provider based in the Northern Rivers. I specialise in trauma-informed therapeutic support for individuals impacted by crime, domestic violence, abuse, and psychological injury. My work is grounded in evidence-based practice, mindfulness, and somatic approaches that help clients restore safety, connection, clarity, and empowerment. I have worked with individuals, couples, and families for many years throughout NSW, and bring a compassionate, practical, and deeply supportive approach to every session. If you would like to learn more about my experience and approach, you can visit my How I Work page.

How to Apply for Victims Services Counselling

Applying is straightforward:

  1. Complete an application form through Victims Services

  2. Provide a copy of government-issued ID

  3. If you need help with this process, I can guide you step-by-step

Learn more, ask questions, or access support directly:

Victims Access Line: 1800 633 063 (Mon-Fri, 9am–5pm)
Aboriginal Contact Line: 1800 019 123

You can also visit the NSW Victims Services website to apply.

How We Begin Working Together

Once your application is approved:

  • We schedule your first appointment

  • No out-of-pocket costs for approved counselling

  • Sessions can be in person or online

  • You choose the pace

If you need support sooner, I can also help you with referrals, safety planning, or immediate next steps.

A Trauma-Informed, Person-Centred Approach

My work draws on trauma-informed frameworks including:

  • Somatic psychotherapy

  • Mindfulness-based approaches

  • Attachment-based therapy

  • Evidence-based trauma modalities

  • Psycho-education and emotional regulation tools

We move gently, safely and at a pace that supports your healing.

Next Steps

If you believe you may be eligible for counselling under the Victims Support Scheme, or you would like guidance with the application process, please reach out.

You do not need to do this alone.

Let's Chat