Victim Rights Act

Question 1

Definition of a Victim

Answer 1

1. A person against whom an Offence is committed by another person.
2. A person who through an Offence being committed has suffered physical injury, loss or damage to property.
3. A Parent or Legal Guardian for falls within 1or 2 unless they are charged or convicted.
4. A person who is an immediate family member who as a result of an Offence committed by another person dies or is incapable unless that family member is the person charged/convicted.

Question 2

Section 7-How a Victim is treated

Answer 2

Judicial Officer, Lawyer, Member of Court Staff, Police Employee, Probation Officer or Member of the NZ Parole Board.

Treat a Victim with Courtesy, Compassion and Respect to the Victims Dignity and Privacy.

Question 3

Section 8-Services Available For Victims

Answer 3

1. Welfare
2. Health Counselling
3. Medical Assistance responsive to their needs.
4. Legal Assistance responsive to their needs.

Question 4

Section 11-Information about Programs, Remedies and Services.

Answer 4

A Victim must as soon as practicable after the victim comes into contact with an agency, be given information about programs, remedies and services available.

Agencies:
Accident Compensation Corporation
Department of Corrections
Ministry of Justice
Ministry of Social Development
NZ Police

Question 5

Section 12-Information about proceedings-Investigations

Answer 5

Must advice the Victim of the:
Progress of the investigation.
Charges filed or action taken.
Date and place of proceedings.
Role of the Victim as a Witness.
Outcome of proceedings.

Question 6

Section 51-Return All Property Back To Victim.

Answer 6

Once exhibits are no longer required. They must be returned.

Question 7

Who is not Eligible for a Victim Support Referral?

Answer 7

Incidents involving attempted suicide are not to be referred to Victim Support.