Forensic cleaning expenses through the Victims Support Scheme
The Victims Support Scheme can help to pay for crime scene cleaning to make a property safe and liveable after a violent crime. Learn how to apply.
Victims Services is here to help. Call the Victims Access Line 1800 633 063 or Aboriginal Contact Line 1800 019 123 (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm).
What support is available
Eligible victims may get up to $5,000 in financial assistance through the Victims Support Scheme. This can help cover your immediate needs following a violent crime, including the cost of crime scene cleaning, and other urgent health, safety or wellbeing expenses.
About forensic cleaning
After a violent crime occurs, the property where the crime took place may require professional cleaning services to make it safe and liveable again.
Forensic or crime scene cleaning can range from removing minor traces left by police investigations to dealing with serious situations involving blood or other hazardous materials.
Property owners and family members should avoid attempting to clean the crime scene because of health and safety issues. We recommend seeking assistance from qualified companies that specialise in crime scene cleaning.
The owner or occupier of the property is usually responsible for arranging and paying for crime scene cleaning. The NSW Police Force may cover the costs of forensic cleaning if they use special products as part of the investigation. Police will inform you if they arrange and pay for the cleaning. If you’re unsure, you can ask the officer in charge of the investigation.
To find a forensic cleaner, ask the police officer in charge of the investigation for recommendations on reliable resources and organisations familiar with the process. You can also search online for ‘forensic cleaning’ or ask family members or support workers for advice on reputable businesses.
Crime scene cleaners must meet a minimum standard of service that is required of all NSW businesses that provide goods or services to customers. If you are dissatisfied with the service you received, you may wish to lodge a complaint with NSW Fair Trading. For more information, call 13 32 20 or go to NSW Fair Trading complaints and enquiries.
For more information about crime scene cleaning, see NSW Police Force Crime Scene Clean Up.
How to apply
Victims of crime, including family members of homicide victims
If you are a victim of crime, see Financial assistance for immediate needs through the Victims Support Scheme to learn what you need to apply and how to apply for forensic cleaning expenses.
Forensic cleaners and other persons
If you are a service provider or a person who paid for forensic cleaning costs who was not the victim of crime:
- complete the Forensic cleaning expenses form online, or
- download and complete the Forensic cleaning expenses form and send to Victims Services by email or post.
Some people are not eligible for victims support
Some people are not eligible for support, even if they are a victim of crime.
For more information on persons who are not eligible, see section 25 of the Victims Rights and Support Act 2013.
When support may be declined or reduced
There are also circumstances where support may be declined or the amount reduced. For more information on those circumstances, see section 44 of the Victims Rights and Support Act 2013.
Factors for consideration under section 44 include, but are not limited to:
- any behaviour on the part of the deceased which has directly or indirectly contributed to their death, including past criminal activity
- any money the applicant has received from another source in relation to the violent crime, including under an insurance policy or other agreement.
We're here to help
The Victims Support Scheme is administered by the Commissioner of Victims Rights. Victims Services, part of the Department of Communities and Justice, assists the Commissioner to administer the Scheme.
We understand that violent crime, modern slavery and road crime can affect people in different ways.
If you have any questions about victims support or making an application, Victims Services is here to help.
Contact Victims Services
Call (Mon - Fri, 9am - 5pm)
- Victims Access Line on 1800 633 063
- Aboriginal Contact Line on 1800 019 123
For the National Relay Service, call 13 36 77 (TTY) or 1300 555 727 (Speak and Listen).
For interpreter support, call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 13 14 50.
Post
Commissioner of Victims Rights
Victims Services
Department of Communities and Justice
Locked Bag 5118
PARRAMATTA NSW 2124