The Justice and Community Safety Directorate (JACS) is to develop a new Charter of Rights for Victims of Crime.
Minister for Justice, Shane Rattenbury said the Charter would provide support for individuals at a time that could be very traumatic, when having the right information and the right support at the right time could assist with reducing that trauma.
“Victims and survivors may feel that they are indelibly changed by their experiences with the justice system,” Mr Rattenbury said.
“These experiences can be incredibly distressing.”
He said the Charter of Rights for Victims of Crime would ensure that the experiences of victims and survivors of crime are validated and upheld at every stage of the justice process.”
Mr Rattenbury said JACS was seeking feedback on three key issues as part of its consultation: how information can be provided in an accurate and timely way to victims of crime about justice processes and their case; what other opportunities exist for victims of crime to participate in the justice process; and what appropriate complaint management, remedy and oversight mechanisms were required for victims of crime.
The Minister said that in addition to a wide range of available support for victims of crime in the Territory, the ACT was the only jurisdiction with the Victims of Crime Commissioner seated within the Human Rights Commission.
“The Charter will also contribute to broader community safety outcomes, contributing to increased confidence in reporting crimes, better provision of evidence, reduced re-traumatisation of victims and a more efficient and transparent justice process overall,” Mr Rattenbury said.
More information about the Charter and advice on how to submit comments can be accessed on the YourSay website at this PS News link.
