Victims Information

Getting information about the case

You can get information about your case by contacting the court victim advisor or officer in charge, or by contacting the court directly (external link)

Always check case details the day before the hearing

Sometimes, court hearing dates can be changed for different reasons. Make sure you check the case details the day before the original scheduled court date.

Your right to be informed

Victims of crime have the right to be told within a reasonable time what is happening with the case, unless the information could harm the investigation or the court case.

The police, your court victim advisor or the prosecutor will tell you:

• the charges filed against the defendant
• reasons for not laying charges
• your role as a witness
• when and where the hearings will take place
• the outcome of any criminal proceedings, including any proceedings on appeal
• an offender’s progress on a plan agreed at a family group conference.

You can ask for this information to be given to someone else who will then explain it to you.

Finding out what happens to the offender after sentencing

Victims of certain serious crimes can choose to stay informed about the offender by applying to go on the Victim Notification Register. If you are registered, you will receive information about the offender’s:

• bail
• release dates
• temporary release from prison
• home detention
• hospital detention, or
• possible deportation of the offender.

For more information see Victim Notification Register.

Last modified: 25th February 2016 Print