Libs unveil Vic plan to help crime victims

Victorian victims of crime will be offered a pastoral carer to assist in identifying a body or organising a funeral, Police Minister Kim Wells says.

The Victims of Crime Crisis Support Program, which will be run out of the Victoria Police homicide squad, will deliver direct assistance to victims of crime.

Mr Wells said a re-elected coalition government will commit $620,000 over four years to create the program.

"When a loved one is murdered or taken away in a road accident, or if a family member suffers a life-threatening injury, it is horrendous and in most cases changes lives forever," Mr Wells said on Friday.

"It will mean when people find themselves in these tragic circumstances experiencing trauma and going through their hardest time, they won't have to think about where to go for help and support."

Mr Wells said the VCCSP will ensure that responders are trained in a broad range of issues extending well beyond normal chaplaincy services.

"Training will include issues such as how to contact an undertaker, as well as how to support families of different faiths and cultural backgrounds," Mr Wells said.

"They will be on the ground immediately and ready to help."

The program would be spearheaded by former police chaplain Reverend Jim Pilmer.