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New Zealand Police support for victims of crime

If you are the victim of a serious offence New Zealand Police can help you stay informed about the person who offended against you. The aim of this service to improve your peace-of-mind, as you will know if your assailant is in prison or not.

Police are responsible for receiving and verifying applications to be put on the Victim Notification System.

Once an application is confirmed, Police forward the offender and victim details to the relevant government agencies for action.


 

You may be eligible to be kept informed if:

  • you have been a victim of a serious assault
  • the offence included serious injury or death of a person
  • you have ongoing fears for either your own physical safety or the safety of a member of your immediate family.


 

Ask the Police Officer in charge of the case to see if you meet the criteria to receive information on:

  • court proceedings
  • bail
  • release dates
  • temporary release from prison
  • escape from prison
  • home detention
  • hospital detention


 

Background info

Your rights as a victim information from the Ministry of Justice (also available in Maori, Tongan, Samoan, Niuean, Cook Islands Maori, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese).

Reparation to victims information from the Ministry of Justice.

Court Services for Victims including the role of Court Victim Advisers, from the Ministry of Justice.

Services offered by Victim Support that relate to reducing the effects of crime and shock for victims.

Information for victims from New Zealand Parole Board, including how to make submissions about an offender having a parole board hearing.


 

More detail

Guide to supporting a young witness going to court, from the Ministry of Justice

Court Travel Assistance and Working with families and friends of victims of homicide, from Victim Support.

How offenders are dealt with in Family Group Conferences; reparation and support for victims, from Child, Youth and Family.

Victim Notification offers victims of serious crime an opportunity to stay informed about the person who offended against them, from the Department of Corrections.

What reparation payments are and how victims will receive them, from the Ministry of Justice.


 

Expert info

Victims' Rights Act 2002 legislation.

Use of reparation as a sentence - part of a report on conviction and sentencing of offenders in New Zealand 1989-1998, from the Ministry of Justice.

Legal terms explained from the Legal Services Agency.


 

Getting help

Victim Support Organisation national and local contact details.

Victim Advisers contact details.

Citizens Advice Bureaux contact details throughout New Zealand.

Community Law Centres contact details throughout New Zealand.