For Victims

Victims Rights

Information on Victims rights is available on the ACT Victim Support website. This includes information on how to report an offence to a police officer, the administration of justice processes that result from making a report, hearing and trial processes, including the role, rights and responsibilities of witnesses and restorative justice options.

Certain victims rights apply to the courts and tribunal but only when acting in an administrative capacity other than when it is exercising its jurisdiction in relation to any proceeding before it. This is to protect the independence of the courts and tribunal.

Download the Do you need assistance whilst attending the ACT Courts and Tribunal script [PDF 150KB].

Victim Liaison Officer

The ACT Courts and Tribunal has a Victim Liaison Officer who can be contacted on 6207 7311 or victimcare@courts.act.gov.au

The Victim Liaison Officer can assist with things such as:

  • Pre-hearing tours
  • Considering any special needs
  • Addressing concerns about the need for protection from violence and harassment in a court or tribunal building.  This may include arranging access through another entry or waiting in a separate area.

Complaints

In accordance with Section 18D of the Victims of Crime Act 1994, victims may make justice agency complaints to justice agencies.

If you do not believe that the ACT Courts and Tribunal has complied with a victim’s right then you can:

  1. Complain to the ACT Courts and Tribunal using the procedures in the complaints and feedback policy.
  2. Raise a concern with the Victims of Crime Commissioner.
  3. Make a complaint to the Disability and Community Services Commissioner.
  4. Make a complaint to another relevant complaints body such as the Ombudsman or the Integrity Commissioner.

Further information is set out at the ACT Victim Support website.

Victim Support Services

There are a range of support services available to assist victims of crime in the ACT which can be found here.

Financial Assistance

Applications for financial assistance for victims of crime must be made to the Victims of Crime Commissioner.  Information on applying for financial assistance can be obtained at the Victims of Crime Financial Assistance scheme web page

Applications as a result of an incident prior to 1 July 2017 will continue to be dealt with by the Magistrates Court.  Any inquiries on applications with the Magistrates Court can be made to CourtMCTCivil@act.gov.au

Victim Support ACT

In the ACT, there is a Charter of Rights for Victims of Crime to protect and promote your rights in the criminal justice system. These rights are contained in the Victims of Crime Act 1994.

A summary of the criminal justice system, victims’ rights and justice agency contact details can be found in the Charter of Rights for Victims of Crime booklet, available from the ACT Human Rights Commission.

Telephone 1800 822 272

Victim Support ACT is an agency of the ACT Government that provides victims of crime with a range of support services.

Victim Support ACT is a free service that can help victims of crime cope with the impact of what has happened, and can help them access their rights and entitlements.

The Victim Support ACT website provides a range of information guides to explain how the justice system works.

A specific guide for victims who are required to attend court or give evidence is available (see Factsheet 5A Giving Evidence in the Criminal Court)  as well as a Concerns Form who those who wish to bring a matter to the attention of the Victims of Crime Commissioner.