Founded in 1979, VSS has held a key role in enhancing the rights of victims of crime in South Australia. Since first receiving funding in August 1985, VSS expanded to provide comprehensive services to victim-survivors across South Australia.

VSS has developed highly specialised knowledge of the criminal justice context, with strong relationships across the sector, walking side by side with victims of crime on their criminal justice journey.

VSS has become well-known for specialist knowledge of the effects of trauma and complex trauma, advocating for a better understanding the needs of all people and communities affected by crime and abuse.

Over the last 12 months VSS has consulted with SA communities, stakeholders, and research partners, to continue to improve service delivery. We have listened, developing accessible services and supports such as Court Companions and Safer Spaces that are trauma-informed and person centred.

VSS has returned to its grass roots service model, with volunteers with lived experience of crime or abuse, with professional experience, and those simply wanting to make a difference. Our purpose is clear, we support people in community settings, affected by trauma, to navigate systems- accessing supports to improve the health and wellbeing of victim-survivors and their communities.