Crime victim-survivors herald Victims Register reforms

From today, victim-survivors of serious offenders will receive mandatory notifications about NSW Victims’ Registers, under changes introduced by the NSW Government.

The reforms, which were passed by the NSW Parliament in May this year, will bolster support for victim-survivors of serious crimes through what is often the most difficult time of their lives.

Victims of serious offenders will also be provided with assistance to register.

The reforms apply to the three NSW Victims’ Registers: the Corrective Services NSW Victims’ Register, Youth Justice Victims’ Register, and the Specialist Victims’ Register for victims of forensic patients. 

The changes have been introduced following extensive consultation with victim-survivors, victim advocates, and victim support services, to ensure that they reflect the views of the people the Register serves, said Minister for Corrections, Anoulack Chanthivong.

“No-one chooses to become the victim of violent crime,” said Mr Chanthivong.

“One of our top priorities as a government is to ensure we are doing all we can to support victim-survivors in the aftermath of a crime.

“These reforms will empower victim-survivors of the most heinous of crimes perpetrated in NSW, with the choice to access vital information that has a direct impact on their lives – such as opposing the perpetrator’s parole, and being informed if and when they are going to be released from prison.  

“Victim-survivors of serious crimes deserve to be given the knowledge and agency to engage with the justice system in a manner that reflects their needs, including making an informed choice about whether they would like to be supported by a Victims’ Register.” 

All eligible victims will now receive a notification about the Register and their eligibility to opt-in, or will have the option to be contacted at a later date, to discuss the benefits of registration and re-consider whether they would like to be registered.

Those who opt-in will receive timely, accurate, and trauma-informed updates regarding their perpetrator’s progress through the justice system. This includes details about the offender’s location while in custody, sentence, location while in custody, parole eligibility, and any changes that may affect the victim’s safety and well-being.  

The reforms will be complemented by a suite of public engagement measures to promote greater awareness for victims, including public education sessions and social media campaigns.  

“Mandatory notifications help victim-survivors stay up to date with information about a young person’s sentence, providing the justice, reassurance and protection needed to build a safer community,” said Minister for Youth Justice, Jihad Dib.

“These reforms are an important step in giving victim-survivors back the power they lose when they experience a violent crime, without compromising the safety and security of young offenders.” 

Education on the Registers will also be provided to frontline professionals across the justice system, including NSW Police, the NSW Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, and other relevant service providers.  

There is also work being done to make the Registers’ sign-up process simpler, with fewer technological or communication barriers for non-English speakers. 

“We know that victim-survivors of serious crimes often experience severe mental injury, emotional suffering, grief, and trauma,” said Minister for Mental Health, Rose Jackson.

“By allowing them to opt-in to trauma-informed updates about a perpetrator’s progress through the justice system, these reforms to the Victims’ Registers empower victim-survivors through their healing journeys.  

“Furthermore, the Specialist Victims’ Register also allows victim-survivors to receive important information about certain changes concerning a forensic patient and their reviews before the Mental Health Review Tribunal. 

“This is just one way we can provide victim-survivors with the mental health support they may need to feel safer in our communities.” 

Corrective Services NSW Commissioner Gary McCahon PSM said the organisation was committed to supporting victim-survivors through the CSNSW Victims’ Register.  

“Our committed, dedicated staff are trauma-informed, and understand the vital role that clear, compassionate communication plays in the healing process,” he said.

“From the moment an offender enters custody, we provide registered victims with timely updates on key developments in the offender’s sentence that may affect the victims’ lives.

“We also help ensure that victims have the opportunity to be heard when critical decisions are being made about an offender’s release, which we hope will help restore a sense of control and empowerment to those affected by crime.

“Having access to key information, especially regarding an offender’s potential release, can offer victims the confidence that they deserve.” 

Victims Advocate, Howard Brown OAM said the reforms provide victim-survivors of serious crimes the reassurance that they will be provided with the information they need to stay informed and updated on the details of their perpetrator’s progress through the justice system.  

“The Victims’ Registers provide the kind of timely, accurate, and trauma-sensitive information that victim-survivors may feel that they need to be able to take back control of their lives and well-being, sometimes many years after a serious crime has been committed against them,” said Mr Brown.

“Maximising free and full access to such a vital resource like the Victims’ Registers is a major step toward healing for victim-survivors of violent crimes.”