Charter of Victims’ Rights

As a victim of a violent crime in Queensland you have rights under the Queensland Charter of Victims' Rights (the Charter).

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) acts in accordance with the Charter under Schedule 1 of the Victims’ Commissioner and Sexual Violence Review Board Act 2024 (Qld) and the Victims of Crime Assistance Act 2009 (Qld).

Our Director’s guidelines outline the obligations for staff under the Charter, including, treating victims with respect and being responsive to their needs. Our victim liaison service assists us to meet our obligations under the Charter.

The Charter outlines:

• the appropriate treatment of victims, such as the right to be treated with respect and dignity, and the right to privacy
• the right to be given information about available support services and what can be done in response to the crime
• victims’ rights in the criminal justice system
• the right to be kept informed of the progress of a police investigation and any prosecution
• rights when attending court as a witness
• the right to make a victim impact statement for the court to consider during sentencing of an offender if they are found guilty
• rights when an offender is imprisoned
• the right to have any property taken as evidence returned
• the right to make a complaint to the agency responsible, or to the Victims’ Commissioner if these rights are not upheld.

Learn more about the Charter and download easy read and translated versions.

Right to make a complaint

A victim has a right to make a complaint if you feel the ODPP has not met your rights under the Charter.  A friend or family member of the victim may also make a complaint on the victim’s behalf, with the victim’s permission.

• contact your victim service liaison officer
• make a complaint to the ODPP
• make a complaint to the Office of the Victims' Commissioner.