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Overview
The Victims Code sets out how you can expect to be treated when you are a victim of crime.
This page explains what the Victims Code is, what it covers, and what you can do if your experience does not meet its standards.
What the Victims Code is
The purpose of the Victims Code is to inform victims about their rights, the services available to them from government agencies and organisations, and the duties and responsibilities of government agencies. It sits under the Victims’ Rights Act 2002.
What the Victims Code covers
The Victims Code has three main parts:
- Principles for treatment
These principles guide the way that a person, organisation or government agency that provides services to victims should treat you, your family and whānau. - Rights in the criminal and youth justice systems
This part sets out your rights under the Victims’ Rights Act. They explain what you can expect during justice processes. - How to complain
This part explains what you can do if you feel your rights or expected standards were not met.
Who the Victims Code applies to
The Victims Code applies to all victims of a crime. There are additional rights that apply to victims of a specified offence. For more information, you can download the Victims Code (PDF, 577 KB). You may also find it helpful to go through the document with a support person of your choice or with your Court Victim Advisor. You can also contact someone from Manaaki Tāngata(external link).
What the Victims Code does not do
The Victims Code sets out expectations and standards. It is important to understand:
- the Code is not legally enforceable
- there are no legal penalties if the Code is not followed.
Your legal rights come from the Victims’ Rights Act(external link). The Code supports those rights by explaining what good treatment should look like and how to raise concerns.
If your experience has met the standards of the Victims Code
If you feel you were not treated according to the Code, you can make a complaint.
Depending on the situation, you may also be able to raise concerns with an independent organisation, such as:
- the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA)(external link), if your complaint is about Police conduct.
- the Ombudsman(external link), if your complaint is about how a government agency acted or made a decision.
- the Privacy Commissioner(external link) for privacy issues, if your complaint is about privacy or personal information.