RTI210147 File03 5 Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions

PO Box 1891, Southport 4215

2 RTI210147 File03 5 Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions

Where can I access the survey? Further information The victim survey can be access at the website below. You If you have any questions or need help, contact the ODPP will need to enter the password provided. in your region.

Website: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/odppvlssurvey Freecall Maroochydore Password: ODPPVLS P: 1800 673 428 P: (07) 5376 5200 ODPPVLOMaroochy@ Please note, this is a generic password and will not identify justice.qld.gov.au you as the respondent. Brisbane Rockhampton Alternatively, if you would like to receive a hardcopy (paper P: (07) 3035 1122 P: (07) 4921 6227 version) of the survey, please write to us at the address DPPVictimLiaisonSupervisor@ ODPPVLORockhampton@ below. justice.qld.gov.au justice.qld.gov.au

Beenleigh Southport Directorate P: (07) 3081 2300 P: (07) 5675 7000 Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions ODPPVLOBeenleigh@ ODPPVLOSouthport@ GPO Box 2403 justice.qld.gov.au justice.qld.gov.au BRISBANE QLD 4001 Victim Liaison Cairns Toowoomba or P: (07) 4038 5731 P: (07) 4591 4758 Service Survey ODPPVLOCairns@ ODPPVLOToowoomba@ justice.qld.gov.au justice.qld.gov.au [email protected] Information for victims and their Ipswich Townsville families P: (07) 3470 7419 P: (07) 4781 8934 The prosecution of your matter is now at an end. As ODPPVLOIpswich@ ODPPVLOTownsville@ a result, we would like to invite you to provide

justice.qld.gov.au justice.qld.gov.au feedback regarding the service you received from

ODPP-#2463591-v1B July 2019 our Office.

Participation in this survey is voluntary.

RTI210147File03 6 Are my responses anonymous? Will my Victim Liaison Officer see the What if I don’t know the answer to a Yes. responses I provide? question? You do not need to provide your name or contact No. The responses you provide will not ordinarily be sent Most of the questions will allow you to answer ‘Unsure’ if details to complete the survey. We will not be able to to your Victim Liaison Officer. you do not know the answer to the question. tell who completed the survey and you will not be However, you may indicate that you want some feedback contacted by our Office regarding your feedback. to be passed on to your Victim Liaison Officer. What type of questions will I be asked?

If you have an enquiry that requires a response from Please provide the name of your Victim Liaison Officer if The purpose of the Victim Liaison Service is to ensure that our Office, or if you would like to make a formal you would like them to be advised of some specific victims of crime and their families are kept informed as complaint, please email or write to us at the address feedback. their matter progresses through the criminal justice provided below. system. Another critical function of the service is to ensure How long will it take to complete the victims are informed of external organisations who can provide specialised assistance and support. Directorate survey? Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Therefore, the survey focuses on whether our Office kept GPO Box 2403 The survey should take between 10 and 15 minutes to you up to date during the court process, and whether you BRISBANE QLD 4001 complete. were provided with factsheets about the criminal justice The exact length of the survey and the number of process and brochures about relevant organisations (such or questions you are asked will depend on your experience as Victim Assist Queensland). with the ODPP and the way the matter progressed through You will also be asked some questions about the service [email protected] the courts. you received, including whether ODPP staff treated you with respect, and adequately addressed your enquiries. Do I have to provide my personal Do I have to complete the survey? Most questions are multiple choice. You will also have an information? opportunity to provide general comments at the end of the No. survey. No. Participation in this survey is voluntary. You will be asked to provide some personal details, such What will the results be used for? If you decide not to complete the survey now but as your age and gender, however you do not have to change your mind in the future, you may take the answer these questions. You may select ‘Prefer not to Your responses will help us evaluate and improve the survey at a later date. answer’ if you wish. service provided by the Victim Liaison Service.

RTI210147 File03 7 Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions

justice.qld.gov.au justice.qld.gov.au feedback regarding the service you received from

ODPP-#2463591-v1B July 2019 our Office.

Participation in this survey is voluntary.

RTI210147 File03 8 Department of Justice and Attorney-General The Charter of Victims’ Rights You have the right to make a complaint. Victim Assist Queensland If you have suffered harm as a result of a crime including If you believe a Queensland Government agency or non- domestic and family violence, you have rights. government organisation has not met your rights, contact These rights include:- Victim Assist Queensland on 1300 546 587. You should be treated appropriately by Full details of the Charter and more information can be found at www.qld.gov.au/victims. government and non-government agencies. You should be treated with respect, courtesy, compassion, dignity and your privacy respected. You should also be given information about services that can help you recover. You have rights in the criminal justice system. Have you » You have the right to information about the police investigation, the prosecution, if warrants are issued and who is charged. been a victim » You should be told about court processes, hearing dates, attending court, the trial process and your role as a witness. of a violent » You can expect to be informed about the result of the court case, including the sentence and outcome of any appeals. crime? » You have the right to information about bail applications, outcome and release arrangements, Contact us including any special conditions that may impact your Log your enquiry online at www.qld.gov.au/victims or If you have been injured, safety or welfare. email us at [email protected]. physically or emotionally by another person, Victim Assist » You have a right to be protected at court from 1300 546 587 (business hours) unnecessary contact with the accused person, family GPO Box 149, Brisbane, QLD 4001 Queensland is able t0 help you. members or friends. » You can make a Victim Impact Statement at sentencing, expressing how the crime has harmed you. In case of emergency Victim Assist does not provide emergency assistance to Many victims have rights when the offender victims. If you are concerned for your safety, or the safety of goes to prison. others, please call 000. » If you are registered on the Victims Register, you will be Help for people in crisis informed about the offender’s period of imprisonment Lifeline 24-Hour Crisis Line...... 13 11 14 or if they escape from prison. You may also be informed if the offender transfers to another prison. DV Connect Women’s Line...... 1800 811 811 » You will be given the opportunity to write to the parole DV Connect Men’s Line...... 1800 600 636 board about granting parole to the offender. Statewide Sexual Assault Helpline...... 1800 010 120 » Call the Corrective Services Victims Register Mensline Australia...... 1300 789 978 (1800 098 098) to find out if you are eligible. Kids Helpline (25 years & under)...... 1800 55 1800 RTI210147 File03 9

5825_VAQ DL BROCHURE.indd 1 13/10/17 11:00 am Who we are Help for others impacted by Financial assistance Victim Assist is a unit of Queensland’s Department of For eligible primary victims, parent secondary victims, Justice and Attorney-General who: violent crime witnesses and related victims, help may also include Help and financial assistance is also available for: financial assistance. This may include help with: » assist victims to connect with services to support them through their justice journey and their recovery »» parent secondary victims - parents of children and young » expenses incurred for medical or counselling people who have been victims of a violent crime treatment required because of the act of violence » provide a range of financial assistance to victims of an act of violence that happens in Queensland »» witnesses - people who see or hear a violent crime » travel expenses to attend medical or counselling taking place appointments » assist government and non-government agencies and officers to comply with the Charter of Victims’ Rights »» related victims - close family members or dependants of a » security upgrades to your home to help you feel safe, person who has died as a result of an act of violence such as a or relocation costs if it is not safe for you to stay where » lead and coordinate the victim services sector within homicide or dangerous driving causing death. you are Queensland. As leaders of the victim service sector in Queensland, » income lost because you have been unable to work Victim Assist is also able to help existing, new and emerging due to injuries suffered as a result of the act of Help for victims of government and non-government victim services, to: violence violent crime »» understand the Charter and how victims rights are applied » up to $500 for legal expenses incurred in applying for financial assistance Help is available for primary victims of an act of violence. »» design, develop or review strategies to support and respond An act of violence is a violent crime that is perpetrated by to the needs of victims » funeral expenses. one person against another. Examples include, but are not »» provide information and training to develop awareness Primary victims, hurt in an act of violence, may also limited to: of victims’ needs and rights and services available to be eligible for a recognition payment called special » attempted murder support them. assistance. » all forms of physical assault Related victims, close family members, or dependants Types of help available of a person that has died as a result of an act of violence » sexual offences may be eligible for a recognition payment called distress Victim Assist’s Information and Referral Service is available to as well as a dependency payment. » child abuse answer your questions. They can also help you: More information about financial assistance, including » all forms of domestic and family violence »» complete the financial assistance application form the application form and medical certificate, is available » elder abuse »» connect you with a free victim support service online - www.qld.gov.au/victims. » burglary with violence and robbery »» understand how to write a Victim Impact Statement for » stalking, kidnapping and deprivation of liberty. the court »» arrange a referral to a court support worker.

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5756_VAQ DL BROCHURE.indd 2 13/10/17 11:00 am Department of Justice and Attorney-General Dispute Resolution Branch Consent to participate

I agree to engage in the conference process in good faith. Contact our office to find out more about Adult Restorative Justice Conferencing Adult Restorative This means: and how to access it. Email: [email protected] 1. I will maintain the confidential nature of the Justice Conferencing conference process Phone: Brisbane 3239 6246 Southport 5583 5435 2. I will not use any information received through Townsville 4760 9868 the conference process in a way that is not Cairns 4039 8295 agreed by all participants

3. I will be guided by the convenor

4. I will seek advice throughout the conference process, as required

5. I will ensure my contact details are current

6. I can withdraw my consent at any time

I acknowledge that I have received the information titled, ‘Adult Restorative Justice Conferencing: Information for Participants’. Information for participants

______SIGNATURE

______PRINT NAME DATE RTI210147 File03 27 What is adult restorative Preparing for a conference Remaining impartial, the convenor helps the participants to decide on an outcome that: justice conferencing? • meets the needs of the victim Restorative justice is an internationally recognised, Once you are referred to Adult Restorative • is achievable evidence-based response to criminal behaviour. It Justice Conferencing, a convenor will arrange • is safe and legal views a criminal offence as more than an act of to speak with you and your support people • can help to start repairing the harm breaking the law, and focuses on the harm caused about the incident and the conference process. caused to the victim, to relationships and to the The convenor will assess the matter to ensure it is community. There may be any number of meaningful steps that suitable for a conference, and that no further can be taken to repair the harm. If you agree on A restorative justice conference is a facilitated harm is likely to result from the meeting. They what can be done, you can enter into a meeting between a person who has been will also answer any questions and discuss the restorative outcome plan. charged with or convicted of an offence, and those conference, including: Once all the actions in the outcome plan are people most affected to discuss: completed, the referrer is notified. This may • the process be taken into account when deciding how to • what happened • who else will be present deal with the charges. • the impacts of the offence • what you may want to share • repairing the harm caused to the victim • what might happen Is this a legal process? The conferencing process is voluntary and may be Adult Restorative Justice Conferencing is not a legal conducted as a diversion from court, in The conference process and legal representatives do not attend conjunction with a continuing court process, the conference. Participants can, however, Participants in the conference usually include: or even after a matter has been finalised in the consult their legal advisors outside the conference. court. The conference process is privileged and any • the convenor, who is an impartial information disclosed during the process cannot be facilitator accredited under the used before a court or tribunal. Purpose Dispute Resolution Centres Act 1990 • the person who has caused the Can I bring someone with The conference provides a safe environment for harm the person who caused the harm and those • the victim me? affected by the offence to talk about what • the parties' respective communities happened and what needs to be done to make You are encouraged to bring one or more of support support people to the preliminary interview things right. and your conference process. This is referred to The conference gives victims the opportunity to Other support people, a representative on behalf as your community of support. talk about the harm, which has been caused of the victim, counsellors, police officers, Your community of support should be made up by the offence, and have their questions community representatives or elders may also be of people who you trust, and who are familiar answered by the person responsible. The present. with your situation. Usually this will be family or close friends. person who has caused the harm has the At the conference, the convenor helps everyone to opportunity to take responsibility and begin talk about what happened, how they These people will be asked to contribute to understand the impacts of their actions. were impacted, and how they feel to the conference process at different times. The parties and their respective communities of about what's happened. support have the chance to determine what needs to be done to make things right, in a way that is meaningfulRTI210147 for the victim. File03 28

Adult Restorative Justice Conferencing Information for victims

The intake process After the referral is sent to Adult  Help identify if there are any services Restorative Justice Conferencing or other supports required to ensure (ARJC) by the police, DPP or a court, a the process can be successful staff member will contact you. This call is The defendant/offender is also then to arrange an interview on a day and interviewed in a similar way. time that suits you. After ensuring that everyone These interviews take approximately understands the process and what is one hour. Information obtained from you involved, the ARJC staff member will at this interview will not be shared with then assess the matter for suitability. In anyone else without your prior doing this, the staff member will ensure permission. This initial interview is to that the defendant is accepting ensure you understand the process and responsibility for their actions and is can make an informed decision about willing to take steps to repair the harm whether to participate. Participation is they’ve caused. The staff member will voluntary for all parties. ARJC also need also make sure that everyone has to understand the situation and your realistic expectations of what can be expectations of the process, so they can achieved in the process, and that a ensure the matter is suitable. restorative justice conference is unlikely Interviews are best done in person, to cause any further harm. however can be conducted over the As part of this process, the staff member phone, if required. You are encouraged will work with you and the defendant to to bring along a support person with you determine what meaningful steps can be to the interview. taken to repair the harm caused. If you At the interview ARJC staff will: suffered financial harm, you may need to show evidence of those losses. Parties  Explain the restorative justice may need time to assemble supporting conferencing process, including documentation or investigate options. answering any questions you might have If the matter is assessed as suitable and  Discuss the incident with you, as well there is some in-principle agreement as who has been affected and how about the steps which can be taken to  Explore what needs to happen to repair the harm, a day and time is help repair the harm that has been arranged with you for the restorative caused justice conference to be conducted.

RTI210147 File03 29 The restorative justice conference Monitoring the outcomes On the day of the restorative justice The ARJC staff will then monitor the conference, the ARJC staff member will agreement to ensure that the defendant briefly meet with you and your support does anything they said they would. This person privately. They will also meet may involve a number of payments or an briefly with the defendant and their apology letter. These are sent to the support person. This is to make sure that ARJC staff who register these items as nothing has changed, to remind having been completed, before everyone of the process, and address forwarding these to you. If the defendant any questions or concerns prior to fails to do what they agreed to, the commencing. referrer will be informed and the matter closed. The ARJC staff member will then bring everyone together for the conference. At If the defendant does everyone they said the conference, all parties will speak in they will at the conference, the matter will turn about: be closed and returned to the referrer advising them accordingly. The court,  What happened? police or prosecutor will then decide what  Who has been impacted and how? should happen with the charges.  What needs to happen to repair the harm that has been caused by the Successes in restorative justice defendant’s actions? conferencing It is important that the defendant gains In 2017-18: an understanding of how their actions  92% of victims who participated in a have impacted upon you and your restorative justice process were family. The defendant will have an satisfied with their experience. This opportunity to offer an apology for their was measured on factors including actions. You and the defendant will feeling well-prepared, feeling safe, discuss what steps can be taken to being treated fairly, being listened to, repair the harm to ensure that these being able to talk about their meet your needs, are achievable, and experience and how they were are safe and legal. If there is agreement, impacted, as well as feeling like the these can be recorded in an outcome conference helped them to deal with plan and signed by you and the the incident. defendant.  98% of conferences resulted in an agreement being reached about what At the conclusion of the conference you steps the defendant can take to are given a signed copy of the outcome repair the harm caused. plan.  96% of outcome plans were fully complied with.

Adult Restorative Justice Conferencing - Southport Phone: (07) 5675 7028 Email: [email protected] www: qld.gov.au/adultrestorativejustice

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