Government gives $2m for victims of crime

Victims of crime and violence in Derby will be given more help as part of a $2 million expansion of support services in regional areas.

Prior to the increased resources, the Derby Victim Support and Child Witness Service operated three days a week.

But an additional 15 hours per week — equating to two days — will enable the Derby service to become full-time.

“This will allow a more regular service to the towns of Derby and Fitzroy and the outlying communities currently being serviced by the Victim Support and Child Witness Service,” a spokesperson for Attorney-General Michael Mischin said.

“This is part of the overall strategy to increase services to victims of crime and children having to give evidence in court across regional WA and will bring Derby into line with other Kimberley services that operate as full-time services.”

The State Government package will provide hundreds of additional hours of counselling and assistance for victims of crime, child witnesses to crime and victims of family violence in country areas.

It will also help people navigate the complex court system and provide help in applying for compensation