Victims' emails have been exposed in a major privacy breach by Victoria’s crime tribunal.

The Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal (VOCAT) in Victoria has accidentally shared hundreds of email addresses, some belonging to crime victims, in an administrative error. 

The email, sent as part of an update on compensation application procedures, reportedly exposed at least 480 email addresses. Many contained full names, and were visible to all recipients.

Legal experts have condemned the breach, warning it could intensify the trauma for vulnerable individuals, including victims of violent crimes like attempted murder and family violence.

VOCAT attempted to retract the email with two follow-up recall messages. 

Court Services Victoria has confirmed the addresses belonged to people who had contacted the tribunal and apologised for the mistake. 

The agency is now offering support to those affected.

Lawyers and solicitors say VOCAT, created to help crime victims through financial compensation and counselling, may have inadvertently worsened the situation for those it serves.

Some are reportedly demanding additional financial compensation for affected individuals. 

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