Your rights as a victim

Victims’ rights are protected by the law in Aotearoa New Zealand.
 

Victims Code
If you’ve suffered harm as a result of a crime, the law states that you should be treated fairly and respectfully by all people, organisations, and government agencies that help you and your family or whānau.These rights and the principles behind them are set out in the Victims Code.

• You should always be treated with courtesy and compassion.
• Your dignity and culture should be respected.
• Your personal information should be kept private.
• You should be provided with information and assistance when you’re dealing with the police or the court process.
• You should receive help to meet any health, welfare, counselling, medical, or legal needs that you might have as a result of the crime.
• You’ll also have the right to make your views known at certain points during the justice process, and to have a support person with you.

Click here to read the full text of the Victims Code.

A summary of all your rights 
You can download a copy of our information sheet Your rights as a victim. This provides a detailed summary of your rights as protected by the law.

Other useful information and websites
Victims Rights Act 2002
Victims Information Service - Victims Code in other languages
Victims, rights, code and the justice system