Victims Rights

Question 1

Explain section 4 of the victims rights act, define what a victim means

Answer 1

A person against whom an offence is committed by another person.

Suffers physical injury or loss or damage to property

Question 2

How should victims be treated?

Answer 2

Section 7,

Treat the victim with courtesy and compassion, respect the victims dignity and privacy

Question 3

What details constitute contact details?

Answer 3

16(4),

Residential address
Postal address
Email address
Home phone
Business phone
Mobile phone
Fax number

Question 4

What offences are specified under section 29 where victims are eligible to go on the VNR

Answer 4

Any offence of a sexual nature under part 7 of the crimes act.

Intimate visual recordings

Serious assault offences

Offence resulting in serious injury or death to a person

Victim has ongoing fears for safety

Question 5

What does section 8 entail

Answer 5

Victim or member of victims family who have various needs arising from the offence should have access to services that are responsive to those needs

Section 8

Question 6

Section 11?

Answer 6

Should be given information about programmes and services as soon as they come into contact with Police

Question 7

What are some circumstances where the victim should be updated?

Answer 7

Progress of investigation
Charges laid or not laid
Victims role as a witness
Outcome of the prosecution

First appearance
Prelim hearing
Trial
Any hearings