More Victorian victims of crime will be able to access financial compensation under new laws.
The reforms, which passed the Victorian parliament on Thursday, replace the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal with an administrative Financial Assistance Scheme.
Under the scheme, victims no longer need to participate in hearings or face perpetrators as part of their compensation application.
Victim-survivors of upskirting, grooming and image-based abuse will also be eligible to receive financial support for the first time.
"This is most significant change in 50 years for victims of crime who are injured as a result of an act of violence," Victim Support Minister Natalie Hutchins said in a statement on Thursday.
"For many victims, going to a court-based tribunal exacerbates their trauma and far too many victims give up or just do not apply for the help they need.
"We're fixing that by giving them the support they need to recover."
The laws are expected to start operating in the second half of next year.
Australian Associated Press
