The investigation
Police will talk to you and anyone else who knows something about the crime. They may also take photos, or items for evidence to help with the case.
If police have enough evidence, they will make an arrest and charge the person with a criminal offence.
You can get help to write your victim impact statement. Ask your officer in charge, Victim Support or other support agency in your area.
You will be asked if you would like to make a victim impact statement. This explains how the crime has affected you. The police officer in charge of your case, Victim Support or another support agency can help you write this statement.
Once someone has been arrested, they may be released until they are required to appear in court.
Sometimes there are conditions they have to meet such as living where they are told to, and having a curfew. This is called bail. If it is considered there is a danger to you or other people in the community, the person will be held in custody until they come to court, when they can apply for bail again.
If you have been a victim of a serious crime*, you will have the opportunity to give your views about the release of the person on bail. You will also be offered the choice to be part of the victim notification system, which means you can be notified about a number of events relating to their detention such as temporary release from prison. Talk to your police officer in charge about registering with the victim notification system. Your details will be kept private.
Throughout the investigation you can contact your police officer in charge to find out what is happening.
Sometimes, no matter how thorough the investigation, there is not enough evidence to make an arrest or take a case to court. This does not mean that you were not believed. It may simply mean there was not enough evidence to prove the case legally in court.
Contact the police officer in charge of your case to find out what is happening with the investigation.
You can get support while your case is being investigated. To get emotional support, or support for practical things like finding out about insurance, contact Victim Support, or call the Victims of Crime Information Line to find out about other support agencies in your area. You may also be eligible to get assistance from the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC). Call the ACC Claims Helpline on 0800 101 996 or for claims relating to sexual violence, the Sensitive Claims Helpline on 0800 735 566.
* Serious crime means one of sexual violation or other serious assault, one that has resulted in serious injury, death or a person being incapable; or one that has led the victim to have ongoing fears on reasonable grounds for their safety or the safety of one or more of their immediate family.
Youth crime
If the crime was committed by a young person, the matter will be dealt with quite differently through the youth justice process. Victims are a very important part of the youth justice process. Many cases do not go to court because the police will try to influence young people away from crime in other ways, such as using warnings or community service. More serious cases will go to the Youth Court and involve a family group conference. You are encouraged to attend the conference to tell the young person how their behaviour affected you and to have a say in how the young person will be dealt with. You can have support people with you, and if you do not want to attend you do not have to. Some very serious cases of youth crime go through the adult court system.
