The following information will help you understand your rights under the Charter of Victims Rights and how you can access them.

Access your rights as a victim in relation to:
Investigation of the crime
Return of property held by the State
Helping victims of crime have their say - Victim Impact Statements
Informing victims about a convicted offender in custody - Victims Registers
Submissions to the Parole Authority by victims registered on a Victims Register

Additional information:
Access to court documents
Sentencing Information Package

Investigation of the crime

Charter Right 4: A victim should, on request, be informed of the progress of the investigation of the crime, unless the disclosure might jeopardise the investigation. In that case, the victim should be informed accordingly.

Information about investigation of the crime (pdf 104Kb)
(2pp information sheet) Explains Right number 4 from the Charter of Victims Rights. Jointly produced by Victims Services and NSW Police Force, the sheet assists victims to find out about the progress of the investigation of the crime. It explains:

• The process for investigation
• Who is involved in the investigation
• Who a victim should contact
• How long an investigation generally lasts
• Other assistance available from the police

Return of property held by the State

Charter Right 10: If any property of a victim is held by the State for the purpose of investigation or evidence, the inconvenience to the victim should be minimised and the property returned promptly.

Return of property held by the State (pdf 93Kb)
(2pp information sheet) Explains Right number 10 from the Charter of Victims Rights . Under this Charter Right victims have the right to reclaim their property held by the State once the property is no longer required for investigation or by the courts.

Helping victims of crime have their say - Victim Impact Statements

Charter Right 14: A relevant victim should have access to information and assistance for the preparation of any victim statement authorised by law to ensure that the full effect of the crime on the victim is placed before the court.

Victim Impact Statements Information Package (pdf 155Kb)
(10pp booklet) Assists victims making a victim impact statement in the Local, District or Supreme Courts. Topics covered include:

• What is a victim impact statement
• Who can prepare a victim impact statement
• When should a victim impact statement be prepared
• What information should be in a victim impact statement
• Where to obtain help in preparing a victim impact statement

Charter Right 15: A victim should, on request, be kept informed of the offender's impending release, or escape from custody, or of any change in security classification that results in the offender being eligible for unescorted absence from custody.

Charter Right 16: A victim, should on request, be provided with the opportunity to make submissions concerning the granting of parole to a serious offender or any change in security classification that would result in a serious offender being eligible for unescorted absence from custody.

For information about how to get on a Victims Register - please refer to :
Justice Journey > Safety and Protection > Convicted offender in custody - Victims Registers

Further help and information on Victims Registers

• Victims Registers (pdf 164Kb)
  (DL pamphlet) Provides information for victims of crime about victims registers. Information is provided about the purposes of the victims registers and the contact details of the three agencies who hold victims registers: Corrective Services NSW, Justice Health Forensic Executive Support Unit and Juvenile Justice.

• If you are unsure which register to contact, or are seeking other information about support available for victims of crime, you may contact the Victims Access Line on (02) 8688 5511 or 1800 633 063 (toll free).

Sentencing Information Package