Victims Rights Act 2002

Question 1

s8 Access to services

Answer 1

A victim or member of a victim’s family who has needs arising from an offence should have access to services responsive to those needs

Question 2

s17AA

Meaning of victim impact statement

Answer 2

Information from a victim that is to be submitted to a judicial officer for the purpose of sentencing

Includes any: recording, transcript or copy of the information and may include any photographs, drawings or visual representations

Question 3

s17AB (Q)

What is the purpose of a VIS?

Answer 3

Provide information to the court about the effects of offending

Assist court in understanding the victims views

Inform the offender about the impact of offending from victims perspective

Question 4

What does a VIS need to be? (Q)

Answer 4

Needs to be that of the victim and written in victim speak. It should not repeat the evidence.
Do not use police jargon.

Question 5

When is a VIS required? (Q)

Answer 5

It is mandatory that a VIS is available for the 2nd appearance

Question 6

s29

Specified offence? (Q - d)

Answer 6

a) Sexual nature
b) serious assault
c) resulted in serious injury or death

d) an offence that has lead to the victim having ongoing fears on reasonable grounds:
- for his or her physical safety or
- the physical safety of members of his or her immediate family