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Victims rights

Information about the rights and support services for victims of crime.

  • Your safety is important

    Your safety is important

    If you feel unsafe or are experiencing any violence, contact the police, a domestic violence counsellor or get legal advice.

A victim of crime is someone who has suffered physical, psychological, or emotional injury, or financial loss because of a crime. It may also include a person who has witnessed a crime or a family member of a person who was injured or killed.

If you are a victim of a crime committed in NSW, you have rights. Your rights are set out and protected under the Charter of Victims Rights. The Charter outlines 18 rights, including your right to:

  • be treated with courtesy, compassion, and respect
  • access necessary medical care, counselling, and legal help 
  • information about the investigation and prosecution of the offender
  • protection from the accused person
  • financial assistance for victims of personal violence.

If you are Aboriginal, your rights are protected under the Aboriginal Charter of Victims Rights. 

For more information about your rights and the financial support for victims, call Victims Services between 9:00am and 5:00pm Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays):

  • Victims Access Line on 1800 633 063
  • Aboriginal Contact Line on 1800 019 123.

Ways to get help

Ways to get help

If you have a legal problem in NSW, Legal Aid NSW is here to help you.

Sexual assault communications privilege service

We support sexual assault victims to claim the privilege when their confidential records are subpoenaed.

Domestic Violence Line

The NSW Domestic Violence Line provides 24/7 counselling and referrals to women experiencing domestic and family violence. Free call on 1800 65 64 63.

Knowmore

Knowmore is a free, independent legal advice and support service for survivors of child sexual abuse. Call the free advice line on 1800 605 762 Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

Wirringa Baiya

We help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women victim-survivors of violence with legal advice, representation advocacy and referrals. Call on (02) 9569 3847 or 1800 686 587.

Women’s Legal Service NSW

Women’s Legal Service NSW provides free legal advice and casework to women across NSW. Call on (02) 8745 6988 or toll free on 1800 801 501.

1800RESPECT

1800RESPECT is available for free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to support people impacted by domestic, family or sexual violence. Call 1800 737 732 or reach out via the online chat.

Resources

Victims Support Scheme

Find out about what support is available under the Victims Support Scheme and how you can apply for support.

Domestic and family violence

Find out about the help and support services for victims of domestic and family violence.

Apprehended Violence Orders

Find out how to apply for, or respond to an application for, an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO).

Sexual abuse

Information for women who have experienced sexual abuse on the Willow website. Willow is a free legal information project by Women’s Legal Service NSW.