The Victims of Crime Assistance League, Inc (VOCAL) is a registered charitable organization, established in Newcastle NSW in 1988 to support and fight for rights and proper treatment of families after the crime of murder. 

The catalyst for the group's formation was the terrifying stalking, then tragic murder in 1987 of Tracey Gilbert, a local teenager.  Community outrage over the legal processing and outcomes of the case in the Criminal Legal System created the demand for better treatment of homicide families.  

Tracey's mother, Dawn, became the backbone of the new incorporated community charity group 'VOCAL' with the aim of supporting homicide families by properly addressing victim's issues.

Over time, the capacity of the organisation to care for human beings harmed by any type of violent crime developed.  Today, our Victim Support Unit of VOCAL is located in Newcastle, NSW.  We offer support, guidance and assistance to families after homicides, and victims of any and all types of violent crime, threats of crime and similar tragedies.

The Organisation complies with its Constitution and is managed by properly elected Management Committee which in turn directs and oversights the work of The Victims Support Unit.  You can get involved in this rewarding community work - please contact us if you'd like to get involved.

Until 1998 VOCAL was entirely resourced by member's contributions, donations and fundraising and had an entirely volunteer staff. 

Between 1998 and 2007, The Victim Support Unit of VOCAL was partially funded by The NSW Attorney General’s Department via the Victims Services Department, on an annual basis, to contribute to the cost of operating a Victim Support Service in the Hunter Region of NSW.

The provision of services to other areas was bourne by the charity arm, with volunteer support.

In 2007, the Crime Prevention Unit within the NSW Attorney General's Department took over as our funding body, and we now have two full-time paid staff, one part-time worker and volunteers in Newcastle. For the first time we also  received a small amount of funding to contribute to supporting a paid worker in Sydney.

VOCAL assists victims of any type of violent crime or tragedy to get a fair go and supports the growth of knowledge about victims needs and remedies in the community.

VOCAL has positively contributed to many victim-positive legislative and systemic changes over the years, and there is much more to be achieved. 

We assist people from all over Australia - by web, email, phone, and in person - ordinary people affected by crime, and the subsequent life and systemic impacts of crime. 

VOCAL contributes proactively to any forum where victim’s issues may be promoted to bring about and improve justice for victims of crime, and awareness of issues, challenges, and remedies. It includes providing services, speakers and support to any other service provider or community member - like schools, universities, TAFE colleges, community organizations etc.

VOCAL remains a non political, non-religious organisation concerned with issues arising for individual victims and for victims of crime in general - any victim, any crime of violence, and any issue arising because of the crime and its consequences. 

VOCAL's Patron is Sarah Wynter - actor working in USA but hailing from Newcastle. Sarah has appeared in many films including The Sixth Day, Three Dollars, and 24. She is one of the kindest women we know and we welcome her to VOCAL.