Victims Information

Staying informed

If you've been the victim of a serious crime, you can choose to stay informed about what happens to the offender after they're sentenced by applying to go on the Victim Notification Register.

• Information you can receive
• Apply to go on the register
• Appoint a representative to receive information

What is the Victim Notification Register?

Applying to go on the Victim Notification Register can help you feel safer after court because you will be given information about what is happening with the offender after they're sentenced, such as information about Parole Board hearings and release dates.

There are laws about who can get information, and what information is available from the Victim Notification Register.

What information can you get?

If you're registered on the Victim Notification Register, you can receive information about the offender’s:

• Parole Board hearings
• release dates
• temporary release from prison
• home detention
• hospital detention
• possible deportation of the offender.

Applying to go on the Victim Notification Register

If you've been the victim of a serious crime, you can apply to go on the Register at any stage after the person has been charged with an offence. Police are responsible for verifying applications to be put on the Register.

A parent or legal guardian of a child or young person under the age of 17 who has been the victim of an offence can apply to go on the Register. A child or young victim can apply to go on the Register once they turn 17.

You will need to complete the victim request form (external link) (DOC, 145KB) and give it to police. Victim Support or your court victim advisor can help you complete the form.

You must keep your contact details up to date on the Register. If your contact details have changed, email victiminformation@corrections.govt.nz with your new contact details.

Nominate a representative to receive the information

You can nominate a representative to receive information on your behalf. If you nominate a representative, only they will receive the information. Tell your court victim advisor or the Department of Corrections if you want to receive the information instead of your representative.

More information about the Victim Notification Register

• See Victim notification register - Department of Corrections' website (external link)

Last modified: 31st May 2016 Print