Victim Support Unit : Victims of Crime Assistance League - Hunter NSW

19/06/2026

🐾 Exciting News from VOCAL! 🐾

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new dedicated donation page for VOCAL's Pilot Therapy Dog Program!

Over the past year, we have seen firsthand the incredible difference that dogs can make for victim-survivors accessing support. A calm and friendly canine companion can help reduce anxiety, create a sense of safety, and make it easier for people to engage in conversations about their experiences.

Now, with your support, we hope to take the next step towards establishing a formal Therapy Dog Program to provide comfort, connection and support to even more people impacted by crime.

Every donation, big or small, will help us work towards making this vision a reality.

🐶 To donate, simply visit our new donation page:

https://www.vocal.org.au/office-therapy-dog-pilot-program/

Thank you to everyone who has supported this initiative so far. Together, we can create a more welcoming, compassionate and trauma-informed environment for victim-survivors throughout the Hunter.

❤️ One paw, one conversation, one life at a time.

Victims of Crime Assistance League (VOCAL) assists people harmed by crime throughout NSW. The Victim Support Unit is a free service to the Hunter Region.

15/06/2026

Today we were delighted to welcome Yasmin Catley MP and Tim Crakanthorp MP to the VOCAL office to discuss the positive role that dogs can play in supporting victim-survivors of crime.

For many people accessing support services, stepping through the door can be one of the hardest parts of their journey. Having friendly, calm canine companions in the office can help create a sense of safety, comfort and connection during what can often be difficult conversations.

During the visit, Yasmin and Tim met our office dogs, Kenya the Labradoodle and Teddy the Pomeranian Puppy, as well as Peter and his formal therapy dog, Tommy. Each of these special dogs helps create a welcoming environment for clients, staff and visitors.

At VOCAL, we have seen firsthand the difference that dogs can make in reducing anxiety, building rapport and helping people feel comfortable and at ease. We are hopeful of raising funds to contribute towards a formal Office Therapy Dog Pilot Program, ensuring this valuable support can continue to grow.

We would also like to acknowledge and thank Embrace People & Place for their support in allowing our dogs to be part of the workplace. Their willingness to embrace innovative, community-focused approaches helps us create a more welcoming and supportive environment for everyone who walks through our doors.

Thank you to Yasmin and Tim for taking the time to visit, listen and learn about the ways we continue to support our community.

🐾💙

29/05/2026

💜 What if your tax deduction could help someone find their voice again?

Every day, people contact VOCAL after experiencing some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Many are overwhelmed, traumatised, and unsure where to turn next.

A donation to VOCAL before 30 June helps ensure victim-survivors continue to receive free, independent, trauma-informed support when they need it most.

Your EOFY donation can help us:

✅ Support people through police reports, court proceedings and parole processes
✅ Assist victim-survivors to access counselling and financial support
✅ Advocate for victims' rights and provide a compassionate, independent service
✅ Ensure no one has to navigate the justice system alone

For more than 35 years, VOCAL has been standing alongside victim-survivors across the Hunter and NSW, helping people regain choice, confidence and control.

This End of Financial Year, your donation can make a real difference.

💜 Donate today and help us continue giving people a voice after crime.

Every donation over $2 is tax deductible.

08/05/2026

The Parliament of New South Wales acknowledges and respects the traditional lands of all Aboriginal people, and pays respects to all Elders past and present. We acknowledge the Gadigal people as the traditional custodians of the land on which the Parliament of New South Wales stands.

04/05/2026

May is Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) Prevention Month

This month highlights how critical specialist, trauma-informed support is for victim-survivors. Services like VOCAL ensure people are not left to navigate complex systems alone.

On 2 May 2026, VOCAL spoke with NBN Television alongside a courageous survivor who shared her story to raise awareness and drive change. Her voice is a powerful reminder of the importance of being met with understanding, respect, and support.

At VOCAL, we see every day how overwhelming the justice system can be. Trauma-informed support is critical, ensuring that people feel heard, supported, and able to make informed choices at their own pace.

As we mark DFV Prevention Month, we remain committed to providing independent, trauma-informed support so victim-survivors can navigate their options with clarity and agency.

If you or someone you know needs support, VOCAL is here.

A support network for victim-survivors of crime across the Hunter has secured a crucial funding life

29/04/2026

This month, we're proud to spotlight our neighbours and in-house partners at VOCAL — Victims of Crime Assistance League 💙
VOCAL provides FREE, trauma-informed support to victims of crime in the Hunter — from emotional support and practical help to court support and advocacy for victims' rights.
If you or someone you know needs support, you can self-refer directly through their website. And if you work with people who've experienced harm, VOCAL is a vital referral partner.
📞 02 4926 2711
🔗 vocal.org.au
Victim Support Unit : Victims of Crime Assistance League - Hunter NSW

29/04/2026

We’re proud to share that VOCAL has secured three more years of funding to continue supporting victim-survivors of crime across the Hunter and NSW.

This funding brings vital stability for our service, our team, and most importantly, the people and families who rely on trauma-informed, independent support to navigate complex justice systems.

A sincere thank you to the NSW DCJ (Victims Services) for their continued commitment to this work and recognition of the importance of community-based support.

As demand and complexity grow, we remain focused on strengthening our impact, ensuring victim-survivors are supported, informed, and empowered every step of the way.

To our team, partners, and sector colleagues, thank you. Your dedication makes this work possible every day.

01/04/2026

A SARO provides an alternative pathway for those who may not wish to make a formal police report but still want their experience documented-creating space to consider options without pressure, while ensuring their experience is acknowledged.

To access the online SARO form or to view more information visit:

https://portal.police.nsw.gov.au/adultsexualassault/s/sexualassaultreportingoption?language=en_US

We provide:

• Clear, accessible information about SARO and reporting pathways
• Support to explore options without expectation or pressure
• Advocacy within complex systems
• Ongoing emotional and practical support

We know engagement with the justice system can feel overwhelming. Trauma-informed, person-centred support is critical.

Every person’s pathway is different. What matters is that they are supported to make informed choices, in their own time, and on their own terms.

27/03/2026

Every victim deserves to understand their rights.

The NSW Charter of Victims Rights sets out these rights, yet many people remain unaware they exist or unsure how to exercise them.

Through community engagement and direct support across the Hunter, VOCAL helps people understand and navigate their rights, from reporting through to court and beyond, in a way that is clear, respectful, and trauma-informed.

Because when people understand their rights, they are better supported and systems are more accountable.

VOCAL remains committed to walking alongside victims and advocating for a system that consistently upholds their rights.