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victims of crime Victoria -therapy services

have you been traumatized by a serious crime?

If you've been a victim of a serious crime, you may have experienced a range of psychological and physical impacts in the aftermath. Furthermore, these impacts can continue for many months, years, or even decades following the incident. Left untreated or unadressed, the impact of a crime can literally ruin a victim's life.
A primary victim is a person who has experienced crime firsthand. For example, a victim of assault, rape, theft, robbery, home invasion, abduction, culpable driving, family violence, coercive control, stalking, bullying, embezzlement, identity theft, torture, terrorism, or war. A secondary victim is a person who is closely associated with the primary victim. For example a family member or friend of a person who has been murdered, or a first responder who arrives at the scene of a terrorist attack.

YOU May be eligible for financial assistance

Crime affects its victims in many ways and on many levels. (Continue scrolling to learn more about the the effects of PTSD and C-PTSD.) Being a crime victim should not be a life sentence for anyone however, and it's important to be aware of the many organisations who can help. The Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal (VOCAT) offers financial assistance to victims of violent crime, where the crime has been committed in Victoria, Australia. Please click here to visit VOCAT. VOCAT can cover the costs that you have incurred as a direct result of the crime. VOCAT can also cover the costs that you could expect to pay to help you recover from the crime and move forward. For example you may wish to visit a counsellor, psychologist, or other health professional. In relation to expenses you have not yet occurred, a tax invoice from your chosen service provider is required. As you may be eligible to receive funding from VOCAT for victims of crime counselling, Barwon Hypnotherapy can provide you with a properly formatted invoice (with no upfront cost).
As a client of Barwon Hypnotherapy you can expect the best in trauma-informed care. You will be treated with respect, empathy, and sensitivity as we assist you and support you on your journey towards recovery.
If you would like to obtain an invoice for VOCAT to utilise our services, please click the button below to access your free and confidential 30-minute consultation via Zoom. You can have your camera off if you wish. Please note that during this consultation, you will not be required to go into detail of what happened to you or tell your story again. This is to prevent you from being retraumatized.
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PTSD and Complex PTSD

Both primary victims and secondary crime victims may develop PTSD. *This is a mental health condition characterized by:
  • Intrusion symptoms (e.g., involuntary and distressing memories)
  • Ongoing avoidance of things that may be associated with the traumatic event (e.g., avoiding leaving the house after being assaulted in public)
  • Negative changes to thoughts and emotions (e.g., being unable to experience positive emotions after the murder of a family member)
  • Being hyperaroused by certain stimuli (e.g., experiencing angry outbusts at the slightest provocation or no apparent reason)
Click here to learn more about PTSD.
Complex PTSD (C-PTSD or CPTSD) can develop in people who have been subject to repeated criminal acts (e.g., a person who experienced ongoing sexual abuse as a child or minor). In addition to experiencing symptoms of PTSD, people with C-PTSD may experience:
  • Emotional dysregulation (feeling unable to control emotions)
  • Relationship issues involving trust, forming bonds with others, and communication.
Click here to learn more about C-PTSD. Click here to learn more about Religious Trauma.
*Source: American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596 Image: Leremy/Shutterstock.com - PTSD, Pch.vector/Freepik.com - Helping hand for depressed crying person Disclaimer: Barwon Hypnotherapy is not affiliated, associated, authorized, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with VOCAT.
Why you shouldn't diagnose yourself
This page is for information purposes only and is not intended for self-diagnosis. The symptoms described can also be attributable to certain medical conditions, medication, illicit drugs, or other psychological disorders.
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Are you a crime victim who has experienced trauma?

I invite you to a free 30-minute consultation over Zoom with me. We’ll have a chat about how your issue is affecting your life, and the results you’d like to see. You're welcome to ask any questions about your treatment options and what to expect in terms of progress. I’m here to listen and advise, and if I don’t believe I can help you, I can refer you to another provider. - Melissiah, Practice Manager
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