U3 3.1.4 - The rights of victims

Question 1

define: victim

Answer 1

a person who has suffered directly (primary victim) or indirectly (secondary victim) as a result of a crime

Question 2

What are the three main rights of victims?

Answer 2

the right to give evidence using alternate arrangements, the right to be informed about case proceedings, the right to be informed of a likely release date of an offender

Question 3

Who is eligible to give evidence under alternate arrangements?

Answer 3

victims of: a sexual offence, a family violence offence, an offence for obscene, indecent, threatening language or behaviour in public, an an offence for sexual exposure in a public place

Question 4

When can alternate arrangements be made?

Answer 4

at any stage of the criminal proceeding

Question 5

What are some types of alternate proceedings?

Answer 5

-to give evidence from a place other than the courtroom,
eg; cctv, recording
-screens may be used to block view of witness
-only certain people allowed in court when witness is giving evidence

Question 6

What are the purposes of alternate arrangements?

Answer 6

to try and reduce the trauma, stress and intimidation of trial. To try reduce the likelihood of a victim experiencing secondary victimisation, to encourage the victim to give evidence for the prosecution

Question 7

What information (relevant to a case and the proceedings) is the victim entitled to?

Answer 7

information about any proceedings, information about the criminal justice system, clear, timely and consistent information about support services, compensation and legal assistance available

Question 8

Who is responsible for informing the victim about case proceedings?

Answer 8

police officers, DPP or Victims of Crime Comissioner

Question 9

What can a victim be informed about?

Answer 9

-details of offences charged (if defendant is not charged, the reason why)
-how to find the date, time and place of the hearing
-the outcome of the criminal proceeding
-any sentence imposed
-details of any appeal

Question 10

How does a victim become entitled to be informed about a likely release date of an offender?

Answer 10

They must apply to the Victims Register

Question 11

What does the victims register do?

Answer 11

gives the victim access to information about an offender and their release date

Question 12

What are some acts of violence relevant to the Victims Register?

Answer 12

rape and sexual assault, kidnapping, child stealing, stalking, aggravated burglary, offences involving assault punishable by imprisonment