New resources launched
Media Statement
11 September 2024
New resources launched for victim-survivors of sexual violence
Queensland Victims’ Commissioner Beck O’Connor launched two new resources for victim-survivors of sexual violence at the Victims of Crime Day event held at Parliament House today.
The new Victim Pathways online resource and limited podcast series were produced in collaboration with experts from across the criminal justice sector to better support victims of sexual violence.
At each step, from the time of the offence to after an offender is sentenced, the Victim Pathways refers victim-survivors to support services, highlighting their rights under the Charter of Victims’ Rights.
Five podcast episodes are also available, and can be used to supplement the online resource, or listened to individually:
- after experiencing sexual violence
- presenting at a hospital
- reporting sexual violence to Police
- the criminal justice process
- rights after an offender is sentenced.
Respected journalist Kay McGrath OAM hosts the podcast and interviews experts from:
- VictimConnect
- Victim Assist Queensland
- Queensland Health
- Queensland Police Service
- The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions
- The District Court of Queensland
- Queensland Corrective Services.
The Victim Pathways online resource and podcast series are available on the Office of the Victims’ Commissioner website www.victimscommissioner.qld.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Queensland Victims’ Commissioner
Beck O’Connor
“Victim-survivors of sexual violence have been sharing their experiences about the criminal justice system for some time.”
"We have repeatedly heard that they find it difficult to find the right information at the right time in a way that is easy for them to access and understand.”
“For victim-survivors of sexual violence, in many instances, it is the first interaction they have with the criminal justice system.”
“The unfamiliar language and terminology can be confusing and overwhelming.”
“The new online Victim Pathways resource and podcast series have been created to be as accessible as possible to victim-survivors. For those who prefer to read, they can go online and read about the different pathways available.”
“For those who prefer to listen, they can listen to the podcast.”
“Our office is committed to breaking down the barriers victims of crime face in receiving information about their choices and rights in the criminal justice system. My aim is that victims are able to make informed choices about their pathway through the criminal justice process and understand what is happening.”
Explainer / fast fact and or further information
Queensland’s first Victims’ Commissioner Beck O’Connor commenced her five-year appointment on 29 July 2024.
- The rights of victims of violent crime (the Charter of Victims’ Rights) include:
- Receiving information about the crime committed against them like:
- the investigation
- the prosecution and court matters
- bail applications by the accused
- the role of being a witness.
- Where possible, being protected from contact with the accused at court and their supporters. The right to have any property taken as evidence returned.
- Being treated with respect, courtesy, compassion, and dignity, with their needs taken
into account. - Having their privacy protected.
- Being given information about support services.
- Being given information about sentencing if the offender is convicted.
- The opportunity to make written submissions to the Parole Board if the offender applies for parole.
All government and government-funded agencies that work with victims of violent crime must uphold these rights. Violent crime includes sexual violence and domestic and family violence.
- Queensland Police Service
- Queensland Courts
- Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions
- Victim Assist Queensland.
The criminal justice process in Queensland includes a number of agencies for example:
Watch: the Charter of Victims’ Rights explained (YouTube)
Visit www.victimscommissioner.qld.gov.au for more information on the role of the Victims’ Commissioner.