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Who We Are
As an institution focussed on forensic medicine, we serve the community and the courts. Our statutory responsibilities are to provide independent forensic medical and scientific expertise to the justice system, tissue for transplantation, and to both teach and undertake research that will benefit the community.
The Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine (VIFM) provides the justice system with crucial evidence that underpins safe convictions and appropriate acquittals. Our doctors, nurses and scientists investigate deaths reported to the Coroner, examine alleged offenders and medically assess and support victims of crime.
The Donor Tissue Bank of Victoria (DTBV) supports patients and their families by providing safe tissues to medical specialists and Victorian hospitals for transplantation and medical research, benefiting many patients every year.
Our medical and scientific staff members undertake research that benefits public health and safety and the just working of our legal system. By contributing to the professional development and education of forensic pathologists, physicians and scientists, we ensure a high standard of forensic medical services for Victoria and provide critical support for our healthcare and justice systems.
Our Mission
We exist to provide quality-driven, ethically-grounded, independent forensic medical and scientific services for the justice system; to expand and share our knowledge locally and globally; and to make a positive contribution to the health and safety of our community.
FEATURES
OUR MOTTO
Veritas Omnia Vincit – Truth Conquers All
Our Working Relationships
The strength of the working relationships we have with our stakeholders is critical to the success of the Institute. We are a statutory agency within the the Justice and Community Safety portfolio of the Victorian State Government, and our responsible minister is the Victorian Attorney-General. Our primary stakeholders are the Victorian courts, the Coroners Court of Victoria, and Victoria Police.
The VIFM operates the Coronial Admissions and Enquiries office on behalf of the Coroners Court, and we have a service level agreement with Victoria Police to deliver clinical forensic medical services and toxicology testing. Other important partners include Monash University, the University of Melbourne, the Australian Federal Police, the legal and medical professionals, and public and private hospitals.
Teaching, Training and Research
The VIFM’s founding legislation and mission requires us to promote, provide and assist with professional training and research in forensic medicine and related scientific disciplines.
These academic activities in medicine, law and science are fundamental to the VIFM’s credibility in the courts and allow us to maintain a highly professional standing in national and international medical, legal and scientific communities.