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Overview
If you have been affected by crime, you are entitled to access support services, information and assistance to help you understand your options. Everyone who supports you should treat you with dignity, courtesy and compassion no matter the service and support they are providing.
Know your rights
Your rights as someone affected by crime in Aotearoa New Zealand are protected by the Victims’ Rights Act 2002 and supported by the Victims Code.
Victims’ Rights Act 2002
The Victims’ Rights Act 2002 sets out how you should be treated and what rights you have when dealing with the criminal justice system.
Find more information about the Victim’s Rights Act(external link)
Victims Code
If you have been affected by crime, you deserve to be treated with dignity, respect and compassion. The Victims Code explains what you can expect from the agencies and organisations that support victims.
You are entitled to support at each stage of the criminal justice system or youth justice system. You can also get support to help you deal with the effects of the crime.
Find more information about the Victims Code (PDF, 577 KB)
Your right to support services
There are support organisations that can help in different ways if you have experienced a crime.
They can provide information and help with the psychological, physical, financial, and legal impacts of crime. Some can also support your friends, family and whānau.
Support services can help you:
- talk through what has happened
- think about safety
- understand your options
- get information about reporting
- prepare for court
- and find other services that may be right for you.
More information about supporting organisations
Court Victim Advisor
Court Victim Advisors are Ministry of Justice staff who support victims through the criminal court process. They can explain what is happening in your case, what to expect at court, your rights and options, help you prepare for court and connect you with other support services. Court Victim Advisors provide a free and confidential service. They do not give legal advice or counselling.
Kaiārahi Family Court Navigator
Kaiārahi Family Court Navigators are a free and confidential service that can help you, your family and whānau understand and take part in the Family Court process, including before you apply to court. They can explain Family Court processes and what to expect, help you navigate hearings and court services, identify safety concerns, help with forms and applications, and connect you with other support services. Kaiārahi do not provide counselling or legal advice.
Sexual Violence Victim Advisor
Sexual Violence Victim Advisors are Court Victim Advisors who specialise in supporting victim-survivors of sexual violence through the court process. They can provide the same information and practical support as other Court Victim Advisors, including explaining the court process, your rights and options and talking through different ways of giving evidence. They are trained and experienced in sexual violence matters and can provide additional support, including help with a victim impact statement.
Support in different languages
If English is not your first language, or you find it hard to understand, a free interpreter can be arranged for you at court. Some services can provide support staff that are able to speak different languages.
Access to justice for migrant and refugee communities
Migrant and refugee communities have the same right to access justice, information, services and support as everyone else, regardless of their language, culture, background or immigration status.
If you have experienced crime, violence, exploitation or abuse, there is help available. Your immigration status should not stop you from getting support.
Support services are available to help you understand your options and connect you with the right help for your situation.
More information about supporting organisations
Find more information about Human trafficking and modern slavery
Family violence and support with your visa
If your visa depends on your partner, and they are hurting, threatening, controlling or abusing you, this is not okay. Immigration New Zealand has visa options for victims of family violence: Immigration New Zealand(external link)
You may be able to apply for a work visa or a resident visa, depending on your situation.
Access to justice for disabled people
Disabled people have the same right as anyone else to be safe, heard, access support and engage with the justice system.
Some services can support disabled people by helping you:
- get information in a way that works for you
- take part in a court process
- connect with specialist services.
New Zealand Relay
New Zealand Relay is a free service that enables people with hearing and speech communication difficulties to use the phone.
If hearing or speaking is difficult for you, this page shows how to sign up to 111 texting and New Zealand Relay services(external link).
Learn more about your rights as a disabled person
Disability Support Services offer information about your rights as a disabled person and how to get funding and support: Disability Support Services(external link)
The Health and Disability Commission website provides an Easy Read format about your rights and a short explanation of what it means and how you should be treated: Health and Disability Commission(external link)
If your rights are not met
If you believe a right under the Victims’ Rights Act 2002 has not been met, you can make a complaint. The organisation you can make the complaint to will depend on what happened and which agency was involved.
You can find more information on make a complaint