{"id":"victims-charter-act-2006","name":"Victims' Charter Act 2006","slug":"victims-charter-act-2006","collection":"act","jurisdiction":"vic","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":174056,"registerId":"vic-victims-charter-act-2006-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-05","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Victims' Charter Act 2006","content":"Version No. 025\n\n**Victims' Charter Act 2006**\n\n**No. 65 of 2006**\n\nVersion incorporating amendments as at  \n30 September 2025\n\n**table of provisions**\n\n*Section Page*\n\nPart 1—Preliminary 1\n\n1 Purposes 1\n\n2 Commencement 1\n\n3 Definitions 1\n\n4 Objects 7\n\n5 Nomination of representatives 9\n\nPart 2—Charter principles governing response to victims and persons adversely affected by crime 10\n\n6 Treatment of persons adversely affected by crime 10\n\n7 Information to be given to persons adversely affected by crime 10\n\n7A Special treatment of victims 11\n\n7B Communication with victims 11\n\n8 Information to be given to victim about investigation 12\n\n9 Information regarding prosecution 12\n\n9A Additional information regarding prosecution to be provided by DPP 13\n\n9B Views of victim to be sought by DPP 13\n\n9C DPP to give reasons for certain decisions 14\n\n10 Applications for bail 15\n\n11 Information about court process 15\n\n12 Contact between victim and accused in court building to be minimised 16\n\n13 Victim impact statements 16\n\n14 Victims' privacy 17\n\n15 Storage and return of property held by the State 18\n\n16 Compensation and financial assistance for victims 18\n\n17 Information about offender 19\n\nPart 3—General 21\n\n18 Implementation of Charter principles 21\n\n19 Information regarding complaints process for persons adversely affected by crime 21\n\n19A Complaints system for victims 21\n\n19B Victim may complain to agency 22\n\n20 Monitoring operation of Act 22\n\n21 Report of operations 23\n\n21A Review of victim experience in summary proceedings 23\n\n22 Legal rights not affected 24\n\n23 Regulations 24\n\nPart 4—Transitional provisions 25\n\n24 Transitional provision—Victims and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2018 25\n\nEndnotes 26\n\n1 General information 26\n\n2 Table of Amendments 28\n\n3 Explanatory details 31\n\n**Version No.** **025**\n\n**Victims' Charter Act 2006**\n\n**No. 65 of 2006**\n\nVersion incorporating amendments as at  \n30 September 2025\n\n**The Parliament of Victoria enacts as follows:**\n\nPart 1—Preliminary\n\n\t1 Purposes\n\nThe purposes of this Act are—\n\n(a) to recognise principles that govern the response to persons adversely affected by crime by investigatory agencies, prosecuting agencies and victims' services agencies; and\n\n(b) to establish requirements for the monitoring and review of the principles set out in this Act.\n\n\t2 Commencement\n\nThis Act comes into operation on 1 November 2006.\n\n\t3 Definitions\n\n(1) In this Act—\n\n***Charter principles*** means the principles set out in Part 2;\n\n***criminal offence*** means an offence, or a series of related offences, committed at any time, whether or not a person has been accused or convicted of that offence, and in relation to a victim, is the offence that gave rise to the injury suffered by the victim;\n\nS. 3(1) def. of *detention order* inserted by No. 91/2009 s. 219(Sch. 3 item 6.1), substituted by No. 27/2018 s. 371(1)(a).\n\n***detention order*** means a detention order or an interim detention order within the meaning of the **Serious Offenders Act 2018**;\n\nS. 3(1) def. of *domestic partner* repealed by No. 52/2008 s. 267(1).\n\n* * * * *\n\nS. 3(1) def. of *DPP* inserted by No. 42/2018 s. 3(a).\n\n***DPP*** means the Director of Public Prosecutions for Victoria;\n\nS. 3(1) def. of *emergency detention order* inserted by No. 27/2018 s. 371(1)(b).\n\n***emergency detention order*** means an emergency detention order within the meaning of the **Serious Offenders Act 2018**;\n\nS. 3(1) def. of *extended supervision order* inserted by No. 21/2008 s. 25(3).\n\n***extended supervision order*** means an extended supervision order within the meaning of the **Serious Sex Offenders Monitoring Act 2005** or an interim extended supervision order within the meaning of that Act;\n\nS. 3(1) def. of *family member* repealed by No. 52/2008 s. 267(1),  \nnew def. of  \n*family member* inserted by No. 52/2008 s. 267(2).\n\n***family member*** has the meaning given by section 8(1) and (2) of the **Family Violence Protection Act 2008**;\n\n***injury*** means—\n\n(a) actual physical bodily injury; or\n\n(b) mental illness or disorder or an exacerbation of a mental illness or disorder, whether or not flowing from nervous shock; or\n\n(c) pregnancy; or\n\n(d) grief, distress or trauma or other significant adverse effect; or\n\n(e) loss or damage to property; or\n\n(f) any combination of matters referred to in paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e);\n\nS. 3(1) def. of *investigatory agency* amended by No. 37/2014 s. 10(Sch. item 175.1(b)).\n\n***investigatory agency*** means—\n\n(a) a police officer; or\n\n(b) a person authorised by an enactment to investigate a criminal offence;\n\nS. 3(1) def. of *person adversely affected by crime* amended by No. 32/2024 s. 846.\n\n***person adversely affected by crime*** means—\n\n(a) a natural person who has suffered injury as a direct result of a criminal offence, whether or not that injury was reasonably foreseeable by the offender; or\n\n(ab) a natural person who has suffered injury as a direct result of conduct, whether or not that injury was reasonably foreseeable by the person who engaged in the conduct, if the conduct—\n\n(i) was engaged in by a child who was under 14 years of age at the time of engaging in the conduct; and\n\n(ii) if engaged in by a person who is 14 years of age or over, would constitute a criminal offence; or\n\n**Notes**\n\n1 It is conclusively presumed that a child who is under 12 years of age cannot commit an offence—see section 10 of the **Youth Justice Act 2024**.\n\n2 It is presumed that a child who is 12 or 13 years of age cannot commit an offence—see section 11 of the **Youth Justice Act 2024**.\n\n(b) a family member of an affected person referred to in paragraph (a) or (ab); or\n\n(c) a witness to a criminal offence or conduct described in paragraph (ab);\n\nS. 3(1) def. of *police officer* inserted by No. 37/2014 s. 10(Sch. item 175.1(a)).\n\n***police officer*** has the same meaning as in the **Victoria Police Act 2013**;\n\nS. 3(1) def. of *Post Sentence Authority* inserted by No. 57/2017 s. 53(1), substituted by No. 27/2018 s. 371(1)(c).\n\n***Post Sentence Authority*** means the Post Sentence Authority continued in existence under section 290 of the **Serious Offenders Act 2018**;\n\nS. 3(1) def. of *prosecuting agency* amended by Nos 37/2014 s. 10(Sch. item 175.1(c)), 42/2018 s. 3(b).\n\n***prosecuting agency*** means—\n\n(a) the DPP; or\n\n(b) a police officer; or\n\n(c) a person authorised to bring proceedings for a criminal offence against an enactment;\n\nS. 3(1) def. of *relative* inserted by No. 52/2008 s. 267(2).\n\n***relative*** has the meaning given by section 10 of the **Family Violence Protection Act 2008**;\n\n***Secretary*** means the Secretary to the Department of Justice;\n\nS. 3(1) def. of *sentence indication* inserted by No. 1/2022 s. 116.\n\n***sentence indication*** means a sentence indication under section 207 of the **Criminal Procedure Act 2009**;\n\nS. 3(1) def. of *supervision order* inserted by No. 91/2009 s. 219(Sch. 3 item 6.1), amended by No. 27/2018 s. 371(1)(d).\n\n***supervision order*** means a supervision order within the meaning of the **Serious Offenders Act 2018** or an interim supervision order under that Act;\n\nS. 3(1) def. of *victim* amended by Nos 7/2014 s. 5(3), 5/2018 s. 21, 32/2024 s. 847.\n\n***victim*** means—\n\n(a) a natural person who has suffered injury as a direct result of a criminal offence, whether or not that injury was reasonably foreseeable by the offender; or\n\n(ab) a natural person who has suffered injury as a direct result of conduct, whether or not that injury was reasonably foreseeable by the person who engaged in the conduct, if the conduct—\n\n(i) was engaged in by a child who was under 14 years of age at the time of engaging in the conduct; and\n\n(ii) if engaged in by a person who is 14 years of age or over, would constitute a criminal offence; or\n\n**Notes**\n\n1 It is conclusively presumed that a child who is under 12 years of age cannot commit an offence—see section 10 of the **Youth Justice Act 2024**.\n\n2 It is presumed that a child who is 12 or 13 years of age cannot commit an offence—see section 11 of the **Youth Justice Act 2024**.\n\n(b) if a person has died as a direct result of a criminal offence committed against that person, a family member of that person; or\n\n(ba) if a person has died as a direct result of conduct described in paragraph (ab), a family member of the deceased person; or\n\n(c) a family member of a victim referred to in paragraph (a) or (ab), if the victim is—\n\n(i) under 18 years of age; or\n\n(ii) incapable of managing their own affairs because of mental impairment; or\n\n(d) in the case of an offence against section 49M of the **Crimes Act 1958** (grooming for sexual conduct with a child under the age of 16), the child and a family member of that child;\n\n***victims' services agency*** means—\n\n(a) an entity established under an enactment that is responsible for the provision of services to persons adversely affected by crime; or\n\n(b) a public official within the meaning of the **Public Administration Act 2004** who is responsible for the provision of services to persons adversely affected by crime; or\n\n(c) an entity that is publicly funded to provide services to persons adversely affected by crime.\n\nS. 3(2) repealed by No. 52/2008 s. 267(3).\n\n* * * * *\n\n\t4 Objects\n\n(1) The objects of this Act are—\n\n(a) to recognise the impact of crime on the victims of that crime, including the impact on members of victims' families, witnesses to the crime and in some cases, the broader community;\n\nS. 4(1)(ab) inserted by No. 32/2024 s. 848(1).\n\n(ab) to recognise the impact of conduct on the victims of that conduct, including the impact on victims' family members, witnesses to the conduct and in some cases, the broader community, if the conduct—\n\n(i) was engaged in by a child who was under 14 years of age at the time of engaging in the conduct; and\n\n(ii) if engaged in by a person who is 14 years of age or over, would constitute a criminal offence;\n\n**Notes**\n\n1 It is conclusively presumed that a child who is under 12 years of age cannot commit an offence—see section 10 of the **Youth Justice Act 2024**.\n\n2 It is presumed that a child who is 12 or 13 years of age cannot commit an offence—see section 11 of the **Youth Justice Act 2024**.\n\nS. 4(1)(b) amended by No. 32/2024 s. 848(2).\n\n(b) to recognise that all persons adversely affected by crime, regardless of whether they report the offence or conduct described in paragraph (ab), should be treated with respect by all investigatory agencies, prosecuting agencies and victims' services agencies and should be offered information to enable them to access appropriate services to help with the recovery process;\n\nS. 4(1)(ba) inserted by No. 42/2018 s. 4.\n\n(ba) to recognise that a victim of crime has an inherent interest in the response by the criminal justice system to that crime, giving rise to the rights and entitlements set out in this Act, and to acknowledge the victim's role as a participant, but not a party, in proceedings for criminal offences;\n\n(c) to help reduce the likelihood of secondary victimisation by the criminal justice system.\n\n(2) The objects referred to in subsection (1) are based on the Declaration of Basic Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime and Abuse of Power adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations by resolution 40/34 of 29 November 1985.\n\n\t5 Nomination of representatives\n\nS. 5(1) amended by No. 32/2024 s. 849(1).\n\n(1) A victim may nominate a person to be the victim's representative for the purposes of this Act, and if a representative is nominated the representative is to be provided with information that, in accordance with the Charter principles, is required to be provided to the victim.\n\nS. 5(2) substituted by No. 32/2024 s. 849(2).\n\n(2) The family members of a person may nominate one or more family members to be the representative of the family for the purposes of this Act, if the person has more than one family member and that person has died or suffered injury as a direct result of—\n\n(a) a criminal offence committed against the person; or\n\n(b) conduct that—\n\n(i) was engaged in by a child who was under 14 years of age at the time of engaging in the conduct; and\n\n(ii) if engaged in by a person who is 14 years of age or over, would constitute a criminal offence.\n\n**Notes**\n\n1 It is conclusively presumed that a child who is under 12 years of age cannot commit an offence—see section 10 of the **Youth Justice Act 2024**.\n\n2 It is presumed that a child who is 12 or 13 years of age cannot commit an offence—see section 11 of the **Youth Justice Act 2024**.\n\nPt 2 (Heading) amended by No. 42/2018 s. 5.\n\nPart 2—Charter principles governing response to victims and persons adversely affected by crime\n\n\t6 Treatment of persons adversely affected by crime\n\n(1) All persons adversely affected by crime are to be treated with courtesy, respect and dignity by investigatory agencies, prosecuting agencies and victims' services agencies.\n\n(2) Investigatory agencies, prosecuting agencies and victims' services agencies are to take into account, and be responsive to, the particular needs of persons adversely affected by crime, particularly needs relating to differences such as—\n\n(a) race or indigenous background;\n\n(b) sex or gender identity;\n\n(c) cultural or linguistic diversity;\n\n(d) sexual orientation;\n\n(e) disability;\n\n(f) religion;\n\n(g) age.\n\n\t7 Information to be given to persons adversely affected by crime\n\nInvestigatory agencies, prosecuting agencies and victims' services agencies—\n\n(a) are to provide clear, timely and consistent information about relevant support services, possible entitlements and legal assistance available to persons adversely affected by crime; and\n\n(b) if appropriate, are to refer persons adversely affected by crime to relevant support services and to entities that may provide access to entitlements and legal assistance.\n\nS. 7A inserted by No. 42/2018 s. 6.\n\n\t7A Special treatment of victims\n\nInvestigatory agencies, prosecuting agencies and victims' services agencies are to—\n\n(a) respect the rights and entitlements of victims as participants in proceedings for criminal offences; and\n\n(b) so far as is reasonably practicable, take into account, and be responsive to, the particular needs of victims living in rural and regional locations.\n\nS. 7B inserted by No. 42/2018 s. 6.\n\n\t7B Communication with victims\n\nInvestigatory agencies, prosecuting agencies and victims' services agencies are to take into account, and be responsive to, the following matters when communicating with a victim—\n\n(a) whether the victim wishes to be contacted;\n\n(b) the victim's preferred method of contact (which may vary at different stages throughout the proceeding for a criminal offence and according to the topic of communication);\n\n(c) issues that affect the victim's ability to understand the information being communicated, including, but not limited to—\n\n(i) the victim's understanding of English; and\n\n(ii) whether the victim has a disability; and\n\n(iii) whether the victim is a child.\n\n\t8 Information to be given to victim about investigation\n\nS. 8(1) substituted by No. 42/2018 s. 7.\n\n(1) An investigatory agency is to inform a victim, at reasonable intervals, about the progress of an investigation into a criminal offence unless the disclosure may jeopardise any investigation of a criminal offence.\n\n(2) If the disclosure of information under subsection (1) may jeopardise any investigation, an investigatory agency is to inform the victim about the progress of the investigation of the criminal offence relevant to the victim, to the extent possible without jeopardising any investigation.\n\n(3) If the disclosure of information under subsection (1) would jeopardise an investigation, an investigatory agency is to inform the victim that no information can be provided at that stage due to the ongoing nature of the investigation.\n\n\t9 Information regarding prosecution\n\nThe prosecuting agency is to give a victim, as soon as reasonably practicable, the following information—\n\nS. 9(a) amended by No. 68/2009 s. 97(Sch. item 130.1).\n\n(a) the offences charged against the person accused of the criminal offence;\n\nS. 9(b) amended by No. 68/2009 s. 97(Sch. item 130.2).\n\n(b) if no offence is charged against any person, the reason why no offence was charged;\n\nS. 9(c) amended by No. 68/2009 s. 97(Sch. item 130.3).\n\n(c) if offences are charged, any decision—\n\n(i) to substantially modify those charges; or\n\nS. 9(c)(ii) amended by No. 42/2018 s. 8(a).\n\n(ii) to discontinue the prosecution of those charges; or\n\n(iii) to accept a plea of guilty to a lesser charge;\n\nS. 9(d) amended by No. 42/2018 s. 8(b).\n\n(d) in the case of a prosecuting agency that is not the DPP, details about how to find out the date, time and place of the hearing of the charges against the accused person;\n\nS. 9(e) amended by No. 42/2018 s. 8(c).\n\n(e) in the case of a prosecuting agency that is not the DPP, the outcome of the criminal proceeding against the accused person, including any sentence imposed;\n\n(f) if an appeal is instituted, the fact of the appeal, the grounds of the appeal and the result of the appeal.\n\nS. 9A inserted by No. 42/2018 s. 9.\n\n\t9A Additional information regarding prosecution to be provided by DPP\n\nThe DPP is to take all reasonable steps to advise a victim of—\n\n(a) the date, time and location of any contested committal hearing, trial, plea hearing, sentencing hearing and appeal hearing; and\n\n(b) the progress of a prosecution, including the outcome of any committal mention, contested committal hearing, initial directions hearing, trial, plea hearing, sentencing hearing or appeal hearing, or guilty plea.\n\nS. 9B inserted by No. 42/2018 s. 9.\n\n\t9B Views of victim to be sought by DPP\n\n(1) The DPP is to seek the views of a victim before the DPP makes a decision to—\n\n(a) substantially modify the charges;  or\n\n(b) discontinue the prosecution of the charges; or\n\n(c) accept a plea of guilty to a lesser charge; or\n\nS. 9B(1)(ca) inserted by No. 1/2022 s. 117(1).\n\n(ca) oppose an application for a sentence indication; or\n\n(d) appeal a sentence; or\n\n(e) appeal an acquittal.\n\n(2) The DPP is to give a victim information about the matters taken into account by the DPP in making a decision to—\n\n(a) agree to or oppose an application to cross-examine the victim at a committal hearing; or\n\nS. 9B(2)(b) amended by No. 1/2022 s. 117(2).\n\n(b) apply for, agree to or oppose an application for summary jurisdiction; or\n\nS. 9B(2)(c) inserted by No. 1/2022 s. 117(3).\n\n(c) oppose an application for a sentence indication.\n\n(3) The DPP is not required to seek the views of a victim under subsection (1) or inform a victim under subsection (2) if—\n\n(a) the victim cannot be contacted after all reasonable attempts; or\n\n(b) it is not practical to contact the victim given the speed or nature of the proceeding.\n\nS. 9C inserted by No. 42/2018 s. 9.\n\n\t9C DPP to give reasons for certain decisions\n\n(1) The DPP is to give a victim, as soon as reasonably practicable, the reasons for any decision referred to in section 9(c).\n\n(2) The reasons referred to in subsection (1) may be given either orally or in writing.\n\n(3) Despite subsection (1), the DPP may decline to provide the reasons if the disclosure may jeopardise any investigation of a criminal offence or prejudice any other proceeding.\n\n\t10 Applications for bail\n\n(1) A prosecuting agency, on request by a victim, is to ensure that the victim is informed of—\n\n(a) the outcome of any application for bail by the person accused of the criminal offence; and\n\nS. 10(1)(b) amended by No. 70/2010 s. 41.\n\n(b) if bail is granted, any conditions imposed on the accused person by the court that are intended to protect the victim or family members of the victim.\n\nS. 10(2) repealed by No. 26/2017 s. 27.\n\n* * * * *\n\n\t11 Information about court process\n\n(1) A prosecuting agency is to ensure that a victim is informed about the court process and the victim's entitlement to attend any relevant court proceedings, unless the court otherwise orders.\n\nS. 11(2) amended by No. 68/2009 s. 97(Sch. item 130.4), substituted by No. 42/2018 s. 10.\n\n(2) If a victim is to appear as a witness for the prosecution, the prosecuting agency is to ensure that—\n\n(a) the victim is informed—\n\n(i) about the process of the trial or hearing (as the case requires); and\n\n(ii) about the victim's role as a witness for the prosecution; and\n\n(iii) that after the victim has given evidence, the victim may remain in the courtroom unless the court otherwise orders; and\n\n(iv) if relevant, about any special protections or alternative arrangements for giving evidence; and\n\n(b) if relevant, the court is informed about the victim's preferences for the use of any special protections or alternative arrangements for giving evidence.\n\n**Note**\n\nThe **Criminal Procedure Act 2009** contains a number of special protections and alternative arrangements for giving evidence.\n\n\t12 Contact between victim and accused in court building to be minimised\n\nSo far as is reasonably practicable, a prosecuting agency and the courts should, during the course of a court proceeding and within a court building—\n\n(a) minimise a victim's exposure to unnecessary contact with the person accused of the criminal offence, defence witnesses and family members and supporters of the accused person; and\n\n(b) protect a victim from intimidation by the accused person, defence witnesses and family members and supporters of the accused person.\n\n\t13 Victim impact statements\n\n(1) A victim of a criminal offence may make a victim impact statement to the court sentencing the person found guilty of the offence, and unless the court orders otherwise, that statement may be considered by the court in determining the sentence of the offender.\n\nNote to s. 13(1) amended by No. 65/2011 s. 107(Sch. item 15).\n\n**Note**\n\nSee Division 1C of Part 3 of the **Sentencing Act 1991** in relation to victim impact statements.\n\nS. 13(1A) inserted by No. 1/2022 s. 117A.\n\n(1A) The prosecuting agency must inform the victim, as soon as reasonably practicable after commencing to deal with that victim, of the victim's entitlement under subsection (1) to make a victim impact statement.\n\nS. 13(2) substituted by No. 42/2018 s. 11.\n\n(2) If a victim expresses a wish to make a victim impact statement, a prosecuting agency is to—\n\n(a) refer the victim to an appropriate victims' services agency for assistance in preparing the victim impact statement; and\n\n(b) give the victim general information about the types of material in a victim impact statement that the court may rule inadmissible and the consequences that may occur from that ruling.\n\nS. 13(3) inserted by No. 42/2018 s. 11.\n\n(3) Despite subsection (2)(b), the prosecuting agency does not have a duty to advise the victim of the admissibility of a particular victim impact statement.\n\nS. 14 amended by Nos 60/2014 s. 140(Sch. 3 item 49.1), 32/2024 s. 850.\n\n\t14 Victims' privacy\n\nA victim's personal information, including the victim's address and telephone number, is not to be disclosed by any person except in accordance with the **Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014**.\n\nNote to s. 14 amended by No. 60/2014 s. 140(Sch. 3 item 49.2).\n\n**Note**\n\nSection 10 of the **Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014** provides that the Act does not apply in respect of the collection, holding, management, use, disclosure or transfer of personal information by a court, tribunal, judge, magistrate or registry staff in relation to their judicial or quasi-judicial functions.\n\n\t15 Storage and return of property held by the State\n\nIf property of a victim is in the possession of an investigatory agency or a prosecuting agency for the purpose of the investigation or prosecution of a criminal offence—\n\n(a) the agency is to handle and store the property in a lawful, respectful and secure manner; and\n\n(b) if possible and in consultation with the victim, the property is to be returned to the victim as soon as reasonably practicable.\n\n\t16 Compensation and financial assistance for victims\n\n(1) A victim may apply to a court for an order that the person convicted of or found guilty of the criminal offence that gave rise to the injury suffered by the victim pay compensation to the victim.\n\n**Note**\n\nSee Division 2 of Part 4 of the **Sentencing Act 1991** in relation to applications for compensation for victims of crime.\n\nS. 16(2) substituted by No. 21/2022 s. 82.\n\n(2) In accordance with the **Victims of Crime (Financial Assistance Scheme) Act 2022**, a person eligible under that Act may apply to the State for financial assistance under that Act.\n\nS. 16(3) inserted by No. 1/2022 s. 117B.\n\n(3) A prosecuting agency that is dealing with a victim must inform the victim of the victim's possible entitlements under Divisions 1 and 2 of Part 4 of the **Sentencing Act 1991** and refer the victim to any legal assistance available to them.\n\n\t17 Information about offender\n\n(1) A victim of a criminal act of violence within the meaning of section 30A of the **Corrections Act 1986** may apply to be included on the victims register established under that Act.\n\n**Note**\n\nSee sections 30A to 30I of the **Corrections Act 1986** in relation to the victims register.\n\nS. 17(2) amended by No. 91/2009 s. 219(Sch. 3 item 6.2).\n\n(2) The Secretary may give to a person included on the victims register certain information concerning the offender such as the length of sentence, the likely date of release and the making of an extended supervision order, a supervision order or a detention order.\n\n(3) If the Adult Parole Board is considering ordering the release on parole of an imprisoned offender who has committed a criminal act of violence—\n\n(a) a person included on the victims register may make a submission to the Board about the effect of the offender's potential release on the victim; and\n\n(b) the Board is to consider any submission received.\n\n**Note**\n\nSee sections 74A and 74B of the **Corrections Act 1986** in relation to victim submissions to the Adult Parole Board.\n\nS. 17(4) amended by Nos 91/2009 s. 219(Sch. 3 item 6.3), 57/2017 s. 53(2), 27/2018 s. 371(2), 21/2022 s. 83.\n\n(4) A person included on the victims register may make a submission to the Post Sentence Authority for consideration in determining any instruction or direction it may give to an offender subject to an extended supervision order, a supervision order, detention order or an emergency detention order.\n\nNote to s. 17(4) amended by Nos 91/2009 s. 219(Sch. 3 item 6.4), 27/2018 s. 371(3).\n\n**Note**\n\nSee sections 16A and 16B of the **Serious Sex Offenders Monitoring Act 2005** or sections 153 and 154 of the **Serious** **Offenders Act 2018** in relation to victim submissions.\n\nPart 3—General\n\n\t18 Implementation of Charter principles\n\n(1) If an investigatory agency, a prosecuting agency or a victims' services agency is aware, or should reasonably be aware, that a person is a victim, the agency must have regard to the Charter principles when dealing with the person.\n\n(2) A person or body responsible for the development of criminal law policy, the development of victims' services policy, the administration of criminal justice or the administration of victims' services must, where relevant, have regard to the Charter principles.\n\nS. 19 (Heading) amended by No. 42/2018 s. 12.\n\nS. 19 amended by No. 32/2024 s. 851.\n\n\t19 Information regarding complaints process for persons adversely affected by crime\n\nIf a person adversely affected by crime informs an investigatory agency, a prosecuting agency or a victims' services agency that the person believes that the agency has not upheld the Charter principles, the agency should inform the person about the processes available for making a complaint.\n\nS. 19A inserted by No. 42/2018 s. 13.\n\n\t19A Complaints system for victims\n\n(1) Each investigatory agency, prosecuting agency and victims' services agency must institute and operate a system to receive and resolve complaints from victims in respect of the agency's compliance with the Charter principles, including complaints made under section 19B.\n\n(2) A complaints system referred to in subsection (1) must—\n\n(a) be accessible and transparent; and\n\n(b) offer fair and reasonable remedies.\n\n**Note**\n\nFair and reasonable remedies may include an apology, an acknowledgment that an error occurred, or an explanation as to why an error occurred and the steps being taken by the agency to prevent the error reoccurring.\n\n(3) An investigatory agency, a prosecuting agency or a victims' services agency that is dealing with a victim must inform the victim, as soon as is reasonably practicable after commencing to deal with that victim,  of—\n\n(a) the agency's complaints system referred to in subsection (1); and\n\n(b) the victim's right to have a complaint reviewed under the **Victims of Crime Commissioner Act 2015** if dissatisfied with the agency's response to the complaint.\n\nS. 19B inserted by No. 42/2018 s. 13.\n\n\t19B Victim may complain to agency\n\nA victim may complain to an investigatory agency, a prosecuting agency or a victims' services agency if the victim believes that the agency has not complied with the Charter principles.\n\n**Note**\n\nA victim may seek a review  of the agency's response to the complaint under the **Victims of Crime Commissioner Act 2015**.\n\n\t20 Monitoring operation of Act\n\nTo ensure that the objectives of this Act are met, the Secretary must—\n\n(a) develop policies and plans to promote the Charter principles;\n\n(b) monitor, evaluate and review the operation of this Act and its benefits for victims;\n\n(c) ensure that appropriate processes are established for complaints to be made by persons adversely affected by crime if the Charter principles are not upheld;\n\n(d) do anything else the Secretary considers appropriate for the purposes of this Act.\n\n\t21 Report of operations\n\nThe Attorney-General must each year cause to be included in the report of operations of the Department of Justice under Part 7 of the **Financial Management Act 1994** the following information—\n\n(a) the steps taken to promote the Charter principles;\n\n(b) a report on the operation of this Act.\n\nNote to s. 21 inserted by No. 42/2018 s. 14.\n\n**Note**\n\nSection 29A of the **Victims of Crime Commissioner Act 2015** requires the Victims of Crime Commissioner to commence a review of the operation of this Act and its benefits for victims by 4 November 2024.\n\nS. 21A inserted by No. 42/2018 s. 15.\n\n\t21A Review of victim experience in summary proceedings\n\n(1) The Attorney-General must cause a review to be conducted into legislative and non‑legislative changes that are necessary and appropriate to improve the experience of victims participating in summary proceedings for criminal offences.\n\n(2) The Attorney-General must cause a copy of a report of the review to be laid before each House of Parliament on or before the second anniversary of the commencement of Part 2 of the **Victims and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2018**.\n\n\t22 Legal rights not affected\n\n(1) The Parliament does not intend by this Act—\n\n(a) to create in any person any legal right or give rise to any civil cause of action; or\n\n(b) to affect in any way the interpretation of any law in force in Victoria; or\n\n(c) to affect the validity, or provide grounds for review, of any judicial or administrative act or omission.\n\n(2) Subsection (1) does not prevent a contravention of this Act from being the subject of disciplinary proceedings against a relevant official.\n\n\t23 Regulations\n\nThe Governor in Council may make regulations for or with respect to any matter or thing required or permitted by this Act to be prescribed to give effect to this Act.\n\nPt 4 (Heading and s. 24) inserted by No. 42/2018 s. 16.\n\nPart 4—Transitional provisions\n\nS. 24 inserted by No. 42/2018 s. 16.\n\n\t24 Transitional provision—Victims and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2018\n\nThe amendments made to this Act by Part 2 of the **Victims and Other Legislation** **Amendment Act 2018** apply in respect of a person who was a victim immediately before the commencement of that Part and who is a victim on the day that Part commences.\n\n\n\nEndnotes\n\n1 General information\n\nSee [www.legislation.vic.gov.au](http://www.legislation.vic.gov.au) for Victorian Bills, Acts and current Versions of legislation and up-to-date legislative information.\n\n*Minister's second reading speech—*\n\n*Legislative Assembly: 14 June 2006*\n\n*Legislative Council: 22 August 2006*\n\nThe long title for the Bill for this Act was \"to recognise principles governing the response to victims of crime by the criminal justice system and for other purposes.\"\n\nThe **Victims' Charter Act 2006** was assented to on 29 August 2006 and came into operation on 1 November 2006: section 2.\n\nINTERPRETATION OF LEGISLATION ACT 1984 (ILA)\n\nStyle changes\n\nSection 54A of the ILA authorises the making of the style changes set out in Schedule 1 to that Act.\n\nReferences to ILA s. 39B\n\nSidenotes which cite ILA s. 39B refer to section 39B of the ILA which provides that where an undivided section or clause of a Schedule is amended by the insertion of one or more subsections or subclauses, the original section or clause becomes subsection or subclause (1) and is amended by the insertion of the expression \"(1)\" at the beginning of the original section or clause.\n\nInterpretation\n\nAs from 1 January 2001, amendments to section 36 of the ILA have the following effects:\n\n• Headings\n\nAll headings included in an Act which is passed on or after 1 January 2001 form part of that Act. Any heading inserted in an Act which was passed before 1 January 2001, by an Act passed on or after 1 January 2001, forms part of that Act. This includes headings to Parts, Divisions or Subdivisions in a Schedule; sections; clauses; items; tables; columns; examples; diagrams; notes or forms. See section 36(1A)(2A).\n\n• Examples, diagrams or notes\n\nAll examples, diagrams or notes included in an Act which is passed on or after 1 January 2001 form part of that Act. Any examples, diagrams or notes inserted in an Act which was passed before 1 January 2001, by an Act passed on or after 1 January 2001, form part of that Act. See section 36(3A).\n\n• Punctuation\n\nAll punctuation included in an Act which is passed on or after 1 January 2001 forms part of that Act. Any punctuation inserted in an Act which was passed before 1 January 2001, by an Act passed on or after 1 January 2001, forms part of that Act. See section 36(3B).\n\n• Provision numbers\n\nAll provision numbers included in an Act form part of that Act, whether inserted in the Act before, on or after 1 January 2001. Provision numbers include section numbers, subsection numbers, paragraphs and subparagraphs. See section 36(3C).\n\n• Location of \"legislative items\"\n\nA \"legislative item\" is a penalty, an example or a note. As from 13 October 2004, a legislative item relating to a provision of an Act is taken to be at the foot of that provision even if it is preceded or followed by another legislative item that relates to that provision. For example, if a penalty at the foot of a provision is followed by a note, both of these legislative items will be regarded as being at the foot of that provision. See section 36B.\n\n• Other material\n\nAny explanatory memorandum, table of provisions, endnotes, index and other material printed after the Endnotes does not form part of an Act.  \nSee section 36(3)(3D)(3E).\n\n2 Table of Amendments\n\nThis publication incorporates amendments made to the **Victims' Charter Act 2006** by Acts and subordinate instruments.\n\n–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––\n\n**Justice Legislation Amendment Act 2008, No. 21/2008**\n\n| Assent Date: | 2.6.08 |\n| --- | --- |\n| Commencement Date: | S. 25(3) on 3.6.08: Special Gazette (No. 148) 3.6.08 p. 1 |\n| Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Victims' Charter Act 2006** |\n\n\n**Family Violence Protection Act 2008, No. 52/2008**\n\n| Assent Date: | 23.9.08 |\n| --- | --- |\n| Commencement Date: | S. 267 on 8.12.08: Special Gazette (No. 339) 4.12.08 p. 1 |\n| Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Victims' Charter Act 2006** |\n\n\n**Criminal Procedure Amendment (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Act 2009, No. 68/2009**\n\n| Assent Date: | 24.11.09 |\n| --- | --- |\n| Commencement Date: | S. 97(Sch. item 130) on 1.1.10: Government Gazette 10.12.09 p. 3215 |\n| Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Victims' Charter Act 2006** |\n\n\n**Serious Sex Offenders (Detention and Supervision) Act 2009, No. 91/2009**\n\n| Assent Date: | 15.12.09 |\n| --- | --- |\n| Commencement Date: | S. 219(Sch. 3 item 6) on 1.1.10: Government Gazette 24.12.09 p. 3397 |\n| Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Victims' Charter Act 2006** |\n\n\n**Bail Amendment Act 2010, No. 70/2010**\n\n| Assent Date: | 19.10.10 |\n| --- | --- |\n| Commencement Date: | S. 41 on 1.1.11: s. 2(2) |\n| Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Victims' Charter Act 2006** |\n\n\n**Sentencing Amendment (Community Correction Reform) Act 2011, No. 65/2011**\n\n| Assent Date: | 22.11.11 |\n| --- | --- |\n| Commencement Date: | S. 107(Sch. item 15) on 16.1.12: Special Gazette (No. 423) 21.12.11 p. 3 |\n| Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Victims' Charter Act 2006** |\n\n\n**Crimes Amendment (Grooming) Act 2014, No. 7/2014**\n\n| Assent Date: | 25.2.14 |\n| --- | --- |\n| Commencement Date: | S. 5(3) on 9.4.14: Special Gazette (No. 112) 8.4.14 p. 1 |\n| Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Victims' Charter Act 2006** |\n\n\n**Victoria Police Amendment (Consequential and Other Matters) Act 2014, No. 37/2014**\n\n| Assent Date: | 3.6.14 |\n| --- | --- |\n| Commencement Date: | S. 10(Sch. item 175) on 1.7.14: Special Gazette (No. 200) 24.6.14 p. 2 |\n| Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Victims' Charter Act 2006** |\n\n\n**Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014, No. 60/2014**\n\n| Assent Date: | 2.9.14 |\n| --- | --- |\n| Commencement Date: | S. 140(Sch. 3 item 49) on 17.9.14: Special Gazette (No. 317) 16.9.14 p. 1 |\n| Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Victims' Charter Act 2006** |\n\n\n**Bail Amendment (Stage One) Act 2017, No. 26/2017**\n\n| Assent Date: | 27.6.17 |\n| --- | --- |\n| Commencement Date: | S. 27 on 21.5.18: Special Gazette (No. 218) 15.5.18 p. 1 |\n| Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Victims' Charter Act 2006** |\n\n\n**Serious Sex Offenders (Detention and Supervision) Amendment (Governance) Act 2017, No. 57/2017**\n\n| Assent Date: | 8.11.17 |\n| --- | --- |\n| Commencement Date: | S. 53 on 27.2.18: Special Gazette (No. 49) 13.2.18 p. 1 |\n| Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Victims' Charter Act 2006** |\n\n\n**Justice Legislation Amendment (Victims) Act 2018, No. 5/2018**\n\n| Assent Date: | 27.2.18 |\n| --- | --- |\n| Commencement Date: | S. 21 on 28.2.18: s. 2(1) |\n| Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Victims' Charter Act 2006** |\n\n\n**Serious Offenders Act 2018, No. 27/2018**\n\n| Assent Date: | 26.6.18 |\n| --- | --- |\n| Commencement Date: | S. 371 on 3.9.18: Special Gazette (No. 356) 31.7.18 p. 1 |\n| Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Victims' Charter Act 2006** |\n\n\n**Victims and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2018, No. 42/2018**\n\n| Assent Date: | 11.9.18 |\n| --- | --- |\n| Commencement Date: | Ss 3–16 on 4.11.19: s. 2(2) |\n| Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Victims' Charter Act 2006** |\n\n\n**Justice Legislation Amendment (Criminal Procedure Disclosure and Other Matters) Act 2022, No. 1/2022**\n\n| Assent Date: | 15.2.22 |\n| --- | --- |\n| Commencement Date: | Ss 116−117B on 16.2.22: s. 2(1) |\n| Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Victims' Charter Act 2006** |\n\n\n**Victims of Crime (Financial Assistance Scheme) Act 2022, No. 21/2022**\n\n| Assent Date: | 7.6.22 |\n| --- | --- |\n| Commencement Date: | Ss 82, 83 on 18.11.24: Special Gazette (No. 610) 12.11.24 p. 1 |\n| Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Victims' Charter Act 2006** |\n\n\n**Youth Justice Act 2024, No. 32/2024**\n\n| Assent Date: | 10.9.24 |\n| --- | --- |\n| Commencement Date: | Ss 846–851 on 30.9.25: s. 2(2) |\n| Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Victims' Charter Act 2006** |\n\n\n–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––\n\n3 Explanatory details\n\nNo entries at date of publication.","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"A positive credit balance is required for all requests, including BYOK, so fallback providers remain available. Add credits at https://vercel.com/d?to=%2F%5Bteam%5D%2F%7E%2Fai%3Fmodal%3Dtop-up to continue.","source":"analysis-cron"},"summary":{"complexity_score":4,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"Based on the available information, the Act appears to remain consistent with its original purpose of establishing a formal framework for the treatment of victims of crime in Victoria. There is no evidence of significant scope creep or narrowing from its original intent as introduced in 2006."},"complexity_factors":["The charter creates obligations on multiple different government agencies, requiring readers to understand how each agency's duties differ","The distinction between 'obligations' and 'enforceable rights' is legally nuanced and can be confusing for laypeople","The definition of 'victim' has multiple tiers (primary victims, family members, representatives) with different entitlements at each level","Limited source text was provided in the prompt, meaning the full complexity of the Act's provisions could not be fully assessed","Interaction with other legislation (e.g., Sentencing Act, Criminal Procedure Act) adds cross-referencing complexity for legal practitioners"],"plain_english_summary":"The Victims' Charter Act 2006 (Vic) creates a formal framework setting out how victims (and their families) must be treated by criminal justice agencies. It guarantees rights to be kept informed, treated with dignity, access support, have safety considered, and to make Victim Impact Statements. It matters because it recognises victims’ needs throughout the justice process—but it does not create a private right to sue if agencies fail to comply."},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":4,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The legislation has expanded significantly beyond its original 2006 scope. Originally focused on victims of criminal offences, it now explicitly covers victims of conduct by children under 14 years old who cannot be prosecuted (due to the presumption of doli incapax). The 2018 amendments added extensive procedural rights regarding prosecution decisions, sentence indications, and complaints systems. The 2024 amendments (commencing September 2025) further embedded the Youth Justice Act 2024 framework, creating parallel definitions and objects clauses for child conduct. The Act has evolved from a simple statement of principles to a detailed administrative code governing victim-agency interactions throughout the criminal justice process."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple overlapping categories of protected persons ('victim' vs 'person adversely affected by crime') with slightly different definitions and rights","19 defined terms in section 3, many referencing other Acts (Serious Offenders Act 2018, Family Violence Protection Act 2008, etc.)","Nested conditional logic in definitions (e.g., victim definition includes family members of deceased, family members of children under 18/incapacitated, and specific grooming offence victims)","Multiple amendments over time (Version 025) creating parallel provisions for child offenders (under 14) alongside traditional criminal offences","Cross-references to at least 10 other Acts including Sentencing Act 1991, Criminal Procedure Act 2009, Corrections Act 1986, and Youth Justice Act 2024","Differential obligations between DPP and other prosecuting agencies (police vs DPP have different information duties)","Exceptions to obligations (e.g., section 8 allows withholding investigation information if it would jeopardise the investigation)","Transitional provision applying 2018 amendments retrospectively to existing victims"],"plain_english_summary":"This Victorian law sets out how government agencies must treat people who are victims of crime or otherwise harmed by criminal acts. It establishes a 'charter' of principles and specific obligations for police, prosecutors, and victim support services.\n\n**Who it affects:**\n- **Victims** of crime (including family members of deceased victims, or family members of child/incapacitated victims)\n- **Persons adversely affected by crime** (a broader category including witnesses and family members)\n- **Government agencies** including Victoria Police, the Office of Public Prosecutions (DPP), and victim support services\n\n**What it does:**\n- **Sets standards for treatment:** Requires agencies to treat victims with courtesy, respect and dignity, taking into account factors like cultural background, disability, age, and whether they live in rural areas.\n- **Information rights:** Victims must be kept informed about investigations, prosecutions, bail applications, court dates, and outcomes. The DPP must seek victims' views before making major decisions like dropping charges or accepting plea deals.\n- **Communication preferences:** Agencies must respect how and when victims want to be contacted.\n- **Court process protections:** Victims must be informed about court processes, protected from contact with the accused in court buildings, and given information about making victim impact statements.\n- **Privacy:** Protects victims' personal information.\n- **Property and compensation:** Sets rules for returning victims' property held as evidence, and informs victims about their rights to seek compensation or financial assistance.\n- **Offender information:** Victims of violent crime can register to receive information about the offender's sentence, parole, and post-sentence supervision.\n- **Complaints:** Requires agencies to have accessible complaints systems, with review rights through the Victims of Crime Commissioner.\n\n**Important limitation:** The Act explicitly states it does **not** create legal rights that can be enforced in court (section 22). It's a charter of principles and administrative obligations, not a source of private legal action.\n\n**Recent expansion:** The Act was significantly expanded in 2018 and 2024 to cover conduct by children under 14 who cannot be criminally prosecuted (due to age), ensuring these victims still receive support and recognition."},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":6,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"Yes. The Act has been expanded beyond a narrow declaration of principles for victims to include a broader set of procedural duties, agency obligations and institutional oversight mechanisms. Notable scope expansions include: (1) widening the definitions to capture victims of certain conduct by children under 14 (added in the Youth Justice Act 2024 amendments to sections 3 and 4); (2) new, specific operational duties for the DPP to notify victims of hearing dates and to seek victims’ views on particular prosecutorial decisions (ss. 9A–9B, added/expanded by amendments); (3) a statutory requirement that each investigatory, prosecuting and victims’ services agency operate an accessible complaints system and inform victims about review rights (ss. 19A–19B); (4) formalised monitoring, policy development and reporting duties for the Secretary and Attorney‑General (ss. 20–21). These additions move the Act from a statement of principles toward an administrative regime with ongoing implementation costs, reporting obligations and structured victim engagement, thereby materially broadening its original, narrower purpose of recognition and high‑level guidance."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple cross-references to other Acts (Corrections Act 1986; Sentencing Act 1991; Criminal Procedure Act 2009; Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014; Serious Offenders Act 2018; Victims of Crime (Financial Assistance Scheme) Act 2022; Youth Justice Act 2024 etc.), increasing interpretive dependency","Large interpretation/definitions section with many defined terms and post-enactment insertions (section 3 contains ~20+ defined terms and age-based presumptions added by Youth Justice Act 2024)","Numerous amendments over time (many statute amendments listed in Table of Amendments) producing conditional and staged provisions","Duties expressed with qualifiers and exceptions (e.g. “as far as reasonably practicable”, “unless disclosure may jeopardise any investigation”, exceptions to DPP consultation in s. 9B(3))","Dispersed obligations across multiple agency types (investigatory, prosecuting, victims' services), requiring coordination (see ss. 6, 18, 19A)","Mandatory but administratively framed requirements: reporting, monitoring and complaints systems (ss. 19A, 20–21) create process complexity rather than simple bright-line rules","Specific procedural duties for the DPP (ss. 9A–9C) layered on top of more general principles, producing nested obligations","Transitional and saving provisions and interaction with other victim-centred Acts (Part 4 and cross-references)","Non‑justiciability clause (s. 22) changes enforcement logic and shifts complexity from courts to administrative review and discipline systems"],"plain_english_summary":"**What this law does (mechanically)**\n\n- Sets out a set of principles — the “Charter principles” — that investigatory agencies (police and others who investigate offences), prosecuting agencies (the DPP and others who bring criminal charges) and victims' services agencies (publicly funded bodies or officials who provide victim support) must have regard to when they deal with people harmed by crime (Part 2; see sections 6–17).  \n\n- Requires those agencies to provide victims and other persons adversely affected by crime with timely, clear information about support services, the progress of investigations, court processes and prosecution decisions (sections 7, 8, 9, 9A, 11).  \n\n- Imposes specific duties on the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to take reasonable steps to notify victims of key hearing dates and prosecution progress, to seek victims’ views before some important prosecution decisions (for example, discontinuing charges or accepting a lesser plea) and to give reasons for certain decisions (sections 9A, 9B, 9C).  \n\n- Requires agencies to reduce unnecessary contact between victims and accused people in court buildings, to offer information about victim impact statements and compensation routes, and to protect victim privacy and property held by the State (sections 12–16, 14, 15).  \n\n- Gives victims access to information about offenders through the victims register and the Victims Register processes in other Acts (section 17).  \n\n- Requires each investigatory, prosecuting and victims’ services agency to run an accessible complaints system for victims about compliance with the Charter principles, and to inform victims of their right to review a complaint under the Victims of Crime Commissioner Act 2015 (sections 19A–19B).  \n\n- Places oversight and implementation duties on the Secretary to the Department of Justice (monitoring, policy development) and annual reporting duties on the Attorney‑General (sections 20–21).  \n\n- Makes clear that the Act is not intended to create a new private legal right or civil cause of action against agencies (section 22), while allowing disciplinary action against officials for contraventions (section 22(2)).\n\n**Who this affects**\n\n- Primary: people who have suffered injury as a direct result of a criminal offence — defined to include physical injury, mental illness or distress, pregnancy, loss or damage to property and related harms — and their family members in specified circumstances (see definitions in section 3).  \n\n- Also affected: witnesses to offences, family members of deceased victims, victims of certain conduct by children under 14 that would be an offence if committed by older persons (amendments reflected in section 3), investigative and prosecuting bodies, victims’ services agencies, the DPP, the Secretary to the Department of Justice and the Attorney‑General.  \n\n**Why it matters (official rationale and practical effects)**\n\n- Officially, the Act recognises the impact of crime and aims to make criminal justice agencies respond to victims with respect, information and support (section 1 and section 4).  \n\n- Practically, it changes behaviour by obliging agencies to communicate regularly with victims (subject to limits where disclosure would jeopardise investigations — s. 8(1)–(3)), to consult victims on important prosecution choices (s. 9B), to run complaints systems (s. 19A), and to report on implementation and monitoring (ss. 20–21).  \n\n- The Act leaves operational discretion to agencies — many duties are phrased as “take into account”, “as far as reasonably practicable” or “must have regard to”, rather than absolute rights enforceable by private lawsuit (see sections 6, 7, 18 and especially section 22 which disclaims creation of civil causes of action).  \n\n**Costs, incentives and implementation trade‑offs**\n\n- Administrative costs: agencies must allocate staff time and systems to (a) provide timely communications to victims (s. 8, s. 9A), (b) seek and record victims’ views for specified prosecutorial decisions (s. 9B), (c) operate an accessible complaints system and inform victims about it (s. 19A(1)–(3)), and (d) support Victim Register functions (s. 17). These are recurring resource demands on police, prosecutors and victims’ services agencies.  \n\n- Investigation vs. disclosure trade‑off: the Act recognises a direct trade‑off between victim information and the integrity of investigations — agencies need not disclose information when it would jeopardise an investigation (s. 8(1)–(3); s. 9C(3)). That creates a practical tension requiring judgment calls about what information can safely be shared.  \n\n- Limited enforceability: by stating that the Act does not create civil causes of action (s. 22(1)(a)), the legislation reduces the risk of victims suing agencies for breaches, but allows disciplinary responses against officials (s. 22(2)). That design favours administrative remedies over private litigation, which lowers legal cost risks for the State but places weight on internal complaint and oversight mechanisms to deliver compliance.  \n\n- Concentrated vs. diffuse effects: benefits from improved communications and support are concentrated among victims and their close family; compliance costs (staffing, IT, training) are borne by the agencies (i.e. by the public sector budgets that fund them). The Act also creates opportunities for victims’ services agencies to be the conduit for referrals and assistance (s. 7, s. 13(2)), which may change demand for those services.  \n\n- Risk of uneven implementation: many duties are expressed as principles or “have regard to” obligations (s. 6, s. 18), so outcomes will depend on agency policies, training, resourcing and the Secretary’s monitoring and reporting (s. 20). The Act therefore shifts some of the implementation burden into administrative policy and oversight rather than rigid statutory entitlements.  \n\n**Key conditional rules and limits you should note**\n\n- Agencies must inform victims about investigations “at reasonable intervals” unless doing so would jeopardise the investigation (s. 8).  \n- The DPP must seek victims’ views before particular prosecutorial decisions, but only where contact is possible and practical (exceptions in s. 9B(3)).  \n- The Act says it is not intended to create civil causes of action (s. 22(1)), so victims cannot generally sue for breach of the Charter principles, though disciplinary measures against officials are preserved (s. 22(2)).\n\n**Sections to look at first**\n\n- Definitions and scope: section 3.  \n- Core Charter duties: sections 6–9 (treatment, information, DPP obligations).  \n- Complaints, monitoring and reporting: sections 19A–21.  \n- Legal limits: section 22."},"issue_detection":{"absurdities":[],"contradictions":[]}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/victims-charter-act-2006","history":"/api/acts/victims-charter-act-2006/history","analysis":"/api/acts/victims-charter-act-2006/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/victims-charter-act-2006/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/victims-charter-act-2006/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/victims-charter-act-2006/documents"}}