Know your rights

Rights for victims of violent crime

You have rights if you have suffered harm because of a violent crime, including domestic and family violence.

You have rights if a member of your immediate family or someone you are dependent on has been harmed or killed as a result of violent crime.

You have rights if you were hurt while helping someone else who was being harmed because of a violent crime.

These rights are outlined in the Queensland Charter of Victims' Rights.

All government and government-funded agencies that work with victims must uphold these rights.

Charter of Victims’ Rights

The Charter of Victims’ Rights outlines:

the appropriate treatment of victims, such as the right to be treated with respect and dignity, and the right to privacy
the right to be given information about available support services and what can be done in response to the crime.
victims’ rights in the criminal justice system
the right to be kept informed of the progress of a police investigation and any prosecution
rights when attending court as a witness
the right to make a victim impact statement for the court to consider during sentencing of an offender if they are found guilty
rights when an offender is imprisoned
the right to have any property taken as evidence returned.
You have the right to make a complaint to the agency responsible, or to the Victims’ Commissioner if these rights are not upheld.

You can: