Victims' rights

Understand the rights of victims of crime in Queensland.

In short

These rules outline the rights of victims of violent crimes in Queensland, including domestic and family violence.

Use these rules to understand:

See the Charter of Victims' Rights on the Office of the Victims' Commissioner website.

You must:

Report any breaches of your rights to the relevant agency or the Office of the Victims' Commissioner.
Have your privacy protected—your personal information cannot be shared unless permitted by law.
Be protected at court from unnecessary contact with the accused person, their witnesses or associates.
Be given the right to make a victim impact statement at sentencing to express how the crime has affected you.
Have your property returned as soon as possible if it was held for investigation or evidence.
You have the right to be informed about:
- your rights under the Charter of Victims' Rights
- the progress of the police investigation (unless it jeopardises the investigation)
- services that can help you recover
- decisions about the prosecution, including:
  - charges brought against the accused
  - decisions not to bring charges
  - changes to charges or plea deals.
- the name of the accused person and whether a warrant has been issued for their arrest
- court processes, hearing dates and how to attend court
- programs available to the accused person
- the outcome of the criminal court proceedings, including sentencing and appeals
- bail applications, outcomes and any conditions that may impact your safety or welfare
- the trial process and your role as a witness (if applicable).

You cannot:

Be denied your rights to respect, privacy and dignity as a victim of crime.
Be subjected to unnecessary contact, intimidation, or violence by the accused person or their associates while at court.
Be denied access to information about the progress of the investigation, court proceedings, or the offender's status if you are on the victims’ register.