New Zealand Police support for victims of crime

Victims Info

Police take our commitment to victims seriously. We understand that being a victim of a crime can be a stressful, unsettling experience even at the minor end of the scale. For victims of a more serious crime, the impacts may be a traumatic and harrowing. Depending on how the crime has affected you it is likely you will require support to get through it.  We will endeavour to provide you with a high level of service and to ensure you are put in touch with the right agencies that can provide support and information.
 

Police

Victims of serious crime will have a police officer assigned to your case.  This is the person who will be able to tell you what is happening with your case right throughout the investigation. You have the right to be kept up-to-date and informed throughout this process.  You can contact the officer in charge of your case by visiting the police station, or by phone or by email.

 

New resources available

DVD and Brochures
There is a DVD and brochures available that explain about the criminal justice system and how people affected by crime can get support.

This DVD is available at police stations or online at www.victimsinfo.govt.nz. 
 

Police Safety Orders

A Police Safety Order (PSO) is issued in circumstances where the Police believe on reasonable grounds that family violence has occurred or might occur.  The order lasts for up to five days, but more usually one or two days.

When a PSO is made, the person bound by the order must leave the address while the PSO is in force, even if they own the address and/or normally live there. The purpose of a PSO is to protect the person at risk from violence, harassment or intimidation.

You can find out more about PSOs and family violence in our 'Safety tips' section.

 

Victim Notification Register

 

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 Register.

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

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

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 Information contact details.

Citizens Advice Bureaux contact details throughout New Zealand.

Community Law Centres contact details throughout New Zealand.