How the Witness Assistance Service can help you

Victim Support

As a victim of crime you, or members of your family, may be involved in a criminal prosecution. You will deal with many different people before the case comes to court. There are questions you may want to ask. You can contact the police officer in charge of your case or the Witness Assistance Service (WAS) Co-ordinator at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Telephone (08) 8935 7500.

Witness Assistance Service staff can:

• Help you understand how the courts and the legal system work.
• Show you the court and where the facilities for victims of crime are before the case.
• Be with you in court or while you are waiting to give evidence.
• Inform the prosecutor of any special needs you have.
• Tell you about welfare, health, counselling and legal services available to victims of crime.
• Tell you about financial assistance available under the Northern Territory Crimes (Victims Assistance) Act.
• Tell you how to claim witness expenses.
• Help you prepare a Victim Impact Statement.

You can ask about:

• Any enquiries being made, however, the police cannot tell you anything that would put the investigation at risk.
• Charges laid against the accused person and any later change to the charges.
• Whether bail has been granted and any bail conditions.
• The reasons why a plea of guilty to a lesser charge was accepted from the accused.
• The reasons not to lay charges or not to proceed with charges.
• The place, time and date of when the case is to go to court.
• Victim Impact Statements.
• The result of the case and any sentence imposed.
• Any property of yours held by the police or the DPP.

The Charter

In the Northern Territory there is a Charter for Victims of Crime. The Charter covers many areas of concern to victims of crime.

You can expect police officers, government employees and court staff to treat you in a courteous and polite manner at all times.

Information available in writing

You may receive more information by writing to:

• the Secretary of the Parole Board about the result of any parole proceedings concerning the offender;
• the Commissioner of Correctional Services for the date when the offender will be released from custody.

Send your request to:

GPO Box 3196
Darwin NT 0801

Interpreter Service

The interpreter service helps people who have difficulty with the English language. If you need help, the services will assist you.

For help with an Aboriginal language phone (08) 8935 7500.

For help with other languages phone (08) 8999 7566.

Your Protection

When an application for bail is being determined by the police or the court, any need for protection for you and your family will be considered.

It is important that you tell the police if you have any concerns about your safety.

The police or the DPP will make every effort to ensure that you are not intimidated by the accused person or any defence witnesses during any preliminary hearing or trial.

Unless it is necessary your address or other personal details will not be disclosed to any person without your consent. If you do not want your address given out in court it is important that you inform the police or the DPP.