At court
What happens?
After the person accused of the crime has appeared in court for the first time, you will be contacted by a court victim advisor. The court victim advisor can explain the court process, help you understand what is happening and when, and tell you when the offender will be in court. They will also help you find the personal support that is right for you.
From July 2010, a specialist court service for victims of sexual violence will be implemented in some courts. This service will provide victims of sexual violence with assistance from a court victim advisor trained and experienced in understanding the dynamics of sexual violence.
If the accused pleads not guilty, a prosecutor will present the case to the court, which will be a judge, and, in many cases, a jury. For some people, it can feel as if the case is no longer “yours”. As crime affects the whole community, the prosecutor work for the government and is responsible for prosecuting cases on behalf of the Crown, the police and the public. You may be required to be a witness for the Crown to help prove the case against the person who is accused.
It can take a long time for a case to be heard in court because both the prosecution and defence need to prepare their cases. The person accused of the crime may also appear in court several times at other hearings required to progress the case. It is unlikely that you will need to go to any of these hearings, but you can if you want to.
Sometimes media may take a particular interest in your case and approach you and people you know for comment. Your police officer in charge or court victim advisor can give you advice on dealing with the media.
In cases of sexual violence, media are automatically forbidden to report your name or any details that may identify you.
What support can you get?
Court victim advisor
A court victim advisor will offer to work with you through the court case. You can contact your court victim advisor directly or through the Victims of Crime Information Line on 0800 650 654.
Personal support
You can also contact a specialist agency or other support agencies in your area directly.
They can also support you through the court case. Call the Victims of Crime Information Line on 0800 650 654 to find out about agencies in your area or contact Victim Support on 0800 VICTIM (842 846).
Financial support
You can apply for up to $3,000 per person to help with the costs of travelling to court for you and a support person (costs can include travel, accommodation, childcare, meals and parking). This is for hearings from 1 November 2009 (up to $1,000 for hearings before 1 November 2009). Call Victim Support to find out more and how to apply.
