Services for Witnesses and Victims of Crime

WHAT IS THE WITNESS ASSISTANCE SERVICE (WAS)?

The Witness Assistance Service is a part of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and is staffed by professionally qualified workers.

WAS provides a range of services to meet the needs of victims of crime and witnesses appearing in court matters prosecuted by the DPP.  The Service aims to reduce the trauma to crime victims.

HOW CAN WAS HELP?

Witness Assistance Service Officers aim to assist victims and witnesses in the following ways:-

INFORMATION

About:

·        Details of the DPP Solicitor in charge of your matter and how to contact them

·        What  to expect at court

·        Information about your rights and entitlements such as victims compensation.

·        What stage your case is at in the court system.

·        Other services and supports that are available to you

REFERRAL

·        For ongoing counselling and support

·        Information about other services which may be helpful

COURT PREPARATION

·        Information about the court process

·        Finding ways of coping with court

·        Helping you become familiar with the court environment

COURT SUPPORT

·        WAS can provide court support or arrange for a support person to be present at court

AFTER COURT

·        Information about Victim Impact Statements and Victims Registers if the accused person is found guilty.

·        WAS can provide an opportunity to talk about your experience with the court process and the final outcome.

WHO CAN USE THE WITNESS ASSISTANCE SERVICE?

The Service is available to prosecution witnesses and victims of crime involved in cases being prosecuted by the DPP and in particular where someone has died or where a sexual or physical assault has occurred. We provide a service to both adults and children.

We also provide a specialist service for:

·        Children and young people under the age of eighteen years

·        People with disabilities

·        Older people

·        People who speak a language other than English

·        People of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander backgrounds

·        People who are experiencing particular trauma difficulties about coming to court

WAS is able to accept referrals once the police have finished their investigation and charges have been laid against the person they believe is responsible for the crime.

WHO CAN REFER TO THE SERVICE?

Referrals to the service can be received from:

·        victims of crime

·        witnesses

·        family members

·        support persons

·        counsellors

·        police

·        DPP Solicitors and Crown Prosecutors

·        Other services

OTHER PUBLICATIONS AVAILABLE

·        Your Rights as a Victim

·        Steps In a Criminal Prosecution

·        Being a Witness

·        Victim Impact Statement Packages

·        About the DPP

·        Information for Court Support Persons

·        A Survivors Guide to the Criminal Justice System (for homicide crimes)

·        Supporting Your Child through A Criminal Prosecution

(Do’s and Dont’s for Parents and Carers)

HOW TO CONTACT US?

There is a Witness Assistance Service Officer at each of the offices of the DPP.                                                  

For toll free callers wanting to speak to a regional WAS officer please ask the Head Office switchboard operator to put you through to the regional office where the WAS officer is located.

Interpreters can be arranged as required.

COMMON EFFECTS OF CRIME

Listed below are some of the effects of crime that can be experienced by those who witness it. Not everyone is affected in the same way and some people may experience some of these symptoms while others may not. Sometimes existing problems or difficulties can seem worse after the crime has happened.

·        Fearful about your safety

·        Trouble concentrating

·        Trouble sleeping/nightmares

·        Sadness

·        Grief

·        Depression

·        Anger

·        Feeling anxious

·        Panic attacks

·        Guilt

·        Loss of appetite

·        Headaches

·        Reliving the event

·        Financial problems

·        Difficulties at work or school

·        Relationship difficulties

Victims of crime can often benefit from counselling and support provided by a trained professional or available through support groups.  For information on contact details and locations of these please speak to a Witness Assistance Service Officer.

SOME USEFUL CONTACTS

DPP & THE CHARTER OF VICTIMS RIGHTS

The DPP and WAS have a commitment to the Charter of Victims Rights. If you would like to know more about this or have any comments please speak with a WAS Officer.

If you feel your rights have not been observed there are a number of things you can do.

-                     You should talk to the DPP lawyer in charge of your case or a Witness Assistance Officer

-                     If you are still not satisfied, then you can write to:

The Director of Public Prosecutions

Locked Bag A8

Sydney South NSW 1232

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