APPENDIX E

NORTHERN TERRITORY CHARTER FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME

Addresses,
Locations and Phone Numbers

WITNESS ASSISTANCE SERVICE

68 The Esplanande, DARWIN NT 0800.
GPO Box 3321, DARWIN NT 0801
Phone: 8935 7500
Aboriginal Support Co-ordinator
Telephone: 8935 7500 or Free Call: 1800 659 449
Centrepoint Building, Hartley Street, ALICE SPRINGS NT 0872
PO Box 2185, ALICE SPRINGS NT 0871
Phone: 8951 5800

VICTIMS OF CRIME NT (PREVIOUSLY VOCAL)

Unit 1/8 Knuckey St (cnr Knuckey St and Mitchell St), DARWIN NT 0800
Phone: 8941 0995 or Free Call: 1800 672 242

RUBY-GAEA

Darwin Centre Against Rape
PO Box 42082, CASUARINA NT 0811.
Phone: 8945 0155

SEXUAL ASSAULT REFERRAL CENTRE

Territory Health Services
PO Box 40596, CASUARINA NT 0811.
Phone: 8922 7156

NT POLICE

Commissioner of Police,
Peter McAulay Centre, McMillans Road, Berrimah NT 0828
PO Box 39764, WINNELLIE NT 0821
Phone: 8922 3344

DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS

68 The Esplanande, DARWIN NT 0800.
GPO Box 3321, DARWIN NT 0801
Phone: 8999 7533
Centrepoint Building, Hartley Street, ALICE SPRINGS NT 0872
Phone: 8951 5800

SUMMARY PROSECUTIONS

68 The Esplanande, DARWIN NT 0800.
GPO Box 3321, DARWIN NT 0801
Phone: 8985 8300
Centrepoint Building, Hartley Street, ALICE SPRINGS NT 0872
Phone: 8951 5795

CORRECTIONAL SERVICES

Commissioner, NT Correctional Services
68 The Esplanande, DARWIN NT 0800.
GPO Box 3196, DARWIN NT 0801
Phone: 8999 5111

CRIME VICTIMS ADVISORY COMMITTEE

c/- Department of Justice
45 Mitchell Street, DARWIN NT 0800.
GPO Box 1722, DARWIN NT 0801
Phone: 8999 7233

This booklet was written by the Crime Victims Advisory Committee and published by the Northern Territory Justice Department.

The Crime Victims Advisory Committee advises the Attorney-General on matters affecting victims of crime and is a forum for the co-ordination of initiatives involving victims of crime in the Northern Territory.

For further information, contact the Chairperson of the Committee at GPO Box 1722, Darwin NT 0801, telephone: 8999 7233.

Introduction by the Attorney-General

This is the third edition of the Charter for Victims of Crime in the Northern Territory. The first Charter has been very popular and provided much needed help and assistance to victims of crime throughout the Territory. I am proud to be associated with the Charter.

The Charter sets out in a clear and concise way the guidelines and principles governing the way in which victims of crime are to be treated in the Territory's criminal justice system. It also provides information about the various support services that are available for victims. The document has been developed with the well-being of the victim in mind. The Charter contains information about the work of the various support organisations in the community and provides details about how to contact them.

The Northern Territory Government is fully aware that we hear a lot about those people who commit crimes and all too frequently the victims are forgotten. This Government is committed, not only to continuing to provide victims with the information that they need but also to ensure that their rights are protected and that practical support and assistance is provided where possible.

I am confident that this Charter, along with other Government initiatives, will ensure that victims are acknowledged, respected assisted and protected. It is only in this way that the process of reparation can begin.

PETER TOYNE

Who is a Victim of Crime

A victim is someone who has suffered or been affected because of a crime.

As well as the victim, there may be other people, such as witnesses, family members and friends, who are indirectly affected by the same crime.

What the Charter Means

The Charter sets out the way you as a victim of crime should be treated in the criminal justice system.

You can expect to be treated in a sympathetic, constructive and reassuring manner. The Charter ensures that victims, their circumstances and their rights are acknowledged, respected and protected. This may help to repair some of the harm and distress suffered by victims of crime in our community.

The Charter sets out the information that is available from the various agencies.

Worried or Uncertain

As a victim of crime, it is likely that you will be dealing with a number of different people while the crime is being investigated and prosecuted.

You will probably have lots of questions that you want to ask. Do not feel worried or ashamed to ask. There are people who can help you.

Bail and your Protection

When an application for bail is being decided, either by the Police or by a court, your physical protection, and that of your family will be taken into account. It is important that you tell the Police if you have any concerns.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Police will ensure you are not intimidated by, or come into unnecessary contact with, the accused or any defence witnesses at any time during the criminal process.

Your home address or other personal details will not be revealed to anyone, unless it is absolutely necessary and you have already been notified of this.

Care and Return of your Property

Items of your property may be held by the Police or the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions while they are investigating the crime and/or prosecuting the offender.

While it is being held, your property will be stored and handled with care.

After the hearing or trial, you should write to the Commissioner of Police or Director of Public Prosecutions asking for your property to be returned to you.

People who can Help you

Witness Assitance Services (WAS)

The Witness Assistance Services, located within the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, offers support to victims of crime, witnesses and their families throughout the criminal justice process.

The unit can help you by:

• giving information about the date, time and place of the next court appearance;
• explaining the legal process, its language and rules of evidence in plain English;
• preparing you for your appearance in court;
• assisting you to prepare a victim impact statement;
• informing you about available welfare, health, counselling and legal services; and
• providing information about assistance available under the Crimes (Victims Assistance) Act.

Victims of Crime NT

Victims of Crime NT, previously known as VOCAL is a community organisation run by volunteers which provides information and support to victims of all crime. Victims of Crime NT provides:

• a 24-hour NT-wide telephone service where victim assistance workers are available if you need to talk about the crime, feelings, or to ask any questions; in person support for the victims and their families of all crimes in the Darwin and Palmerston regions;
• a 24-hour immediate support service for victims of unlawful entry and other crimes in the Darwin and Palmerston regions via police referral for call-out to victims in need;
• information and referral to specialist agencies such as counselling, support and legal services;
• information and guidance about grief and loss; and
• a toll free number which is available for calls outside the Darwin area.

Ruby-Gaea: Darwin Centre Against Rape provides:

• free confidential counselling for women and children who have been sexually assaulted or who have experienced any unwanted sexual attention;
• educational workshops and training lectures in the community on the issues of sexual violence;
• medical, legal and resource information;
• emotional and practical support during police and court proceedings and related appointments;
• support groups on issues relating to sexual violence;
• participation in public meetings and campaigns on sexual violence issues; and
• borrowing library (for members) of books, videos and articles on sexual violence and feminism.

The Northern Territory Police and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions

At your request, the Police and/or the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions can tell you about the following matters:

• the progress of the Police investigations;
• charges laid against any person accused of the crime, and any changes to these charges;
• reasons for not laying charges or for not proceeding with charges;
• where and when the matter is to come before a court;
• the trial process and the rights and responsibilities of witnesses;
• whether or not bail has been granted and any bail conditions relating to protecting you from the accused;
• reasons for accepting a plea of guilty to a lesser charge; and
• the outcome of criminal proceedings and the sentence, if imposed.

Northern Territory Correctional Services

Northern Territory Correctional Services are responsible for keeping the offender in prison. At your request, they may be able to help by:

• advising you if a prisoner is going to be released on parole, the date of his or her release and any conditions of the prisoner's parole; and
• providing information about the date when the offender is due to be released from prison.

For information about parole, you should write to the Commissioner for Correctional Services.

This brochure only contains a short summary of the services and information that these agencies provide. There are other organisations and agencies that may be more appropriate for your needs.

If you need help in translating any information contained in this brochure, call 13 1450.

If you are an Aboriginal person or a Torres Strait Islander, and need more information, call the Aboriginal Support Co-ordinator at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

If you have any complaints about the manner in which you have been treated, contact the Victim Support Unit or Victims of Crime NT.