Ministry of Justice

What we do

Court Services for Victims is a free and confidential service designed to help victims take part in the court process. It is available from the defendant’s first appearance in court, until sentencing and through any appeals.
It is delivered by Victim Advisors who are specialists in delivering services to victims of crime. Victim Advisors can assist victims by:
  • advising you about your rights under the Victim Rights Act 2002
  • providing information about the case you are involved in
  • helping you take part in the court process
Your victim advisor can:
  • explain how the court system works and what all the jargon means
  • give you information on other services, entitlements and financial assistance
  • keep you updated on what is happening in the case that relates to you
  • make sure the police and others connected with the case know about any concerns you have
  • let you know what support and protection is available if you are worried about your own (or your family’s) safety
  • provide you with information on restorative justice.
Your victim advisor can also help you during the hearing by:
  • helping you tell the court how the crime has affected you
  • helping you prepare for court if you are to be called as a witness
  • educating young witnesses about the court system and their role in it
  • advising victims of sexual violence about alternative ways to give evidence in court
  • helping you tell the court how you feel about name suppression and bail.
Your victim advisor can help you after the hearing by:
  • explaining any bail conditions and other decisions made by the judge
  • helping get your property returned if it has been used for evidence
  • explaining how you may be told when the offender is to be released from prison on parole, from home detention or from a secure mental-health facility.

Our contact details

Level 1
Wellington District Court
43-49 Balance Street
Wellington
Phone: 0800 650 654 and ask for your assigned Victim Advisor – or if you don’t know who that is, ask for a Wellington Victim Advisor

Who to contact

Kerry Williams, Victim Advisor, Wellington High and District Courts
Phone: 04 918 8083 Ext 58083

Our email address

csv1.wellington@justice.govt.nz

Our website

http://www.justice.govt.nz