Charter of Victims Rights - Summary
Victims of crime in New South Wales have a Charter to protect and promote their rights. The Charter of Victims Rights, set out in the Victims Rights Act 1996 establishes standards for the appropriate treatment of victims of crime and is overseen by the Victims of Crime Bureau.
Why do we need a charter?
Who is a victim?
What does the Charter do?
What rights are protected?
What happens if there is a breach of the Charter?
Why do we need a charter?
The Charter of Victims Rights builds upon principles already adopted by government agencies throughout New South Wales. These principles recognise the needs of victims as factors that should be considered when assisting victims of crime. The Charter ensures a recognised position for victims within the NSW criminal justice system.
Who is a victim?
Under the Charter, a victim includes a person who, as a direct result of a criminal offence suffers physical or emotional harm, or loss or damage to property. Where the criminal offence results in the death of the person, a member of that person's immediate family will also be included as a victim of crime for the purposes of the Charter.
What does the Charter do?
The Charter obliges government agencies to ensure that a victim is at all times treated with courtesy and compassion, and that their rights and dignity are respected. The Victims of Crime Bureau liaises with all relevant government agencies to establish guidelines and protocols in the treatment of victims and the effective delivery of services to meet the needs of victims and compliance with Charter obligations.
What rights are protected?
The Charter includes the rights of victims to:
- be treated with courtesy, compassion, cultural sensitivity and respect;
- information about, and access to, welfare, health and counselling services;
- privacy and protection;
- information about the criminal justice system.
Some procedures and services are in place to assist you in asserting your rights. These include victim support groups, assistance with the preparation of a victim impact statement, information about the trial process, assistance with making submissions on the proposed release of an offender, information about compensation and victims registers. Select this link to the Charter information on the Victims Services website to read more
What happens if there is a breach of the Charter?
If a victim considers a Government agency has not met its obligations under the Charter, a victim can contact the Victims of Crime Bureau. The Bureau will assist the victim in resolving the matter.
Please contact the Victims of Crime Bureau if you have any enquiries about the Charter or would like to discuss a breach of the Charter.
The Victims Services website has more information on the Charter of Victims Rights.
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