Children's rights as Victims of Crime Mandy Young, Director Chris Griffiths, Charter Coordinator

Overview of session Charter of Victims Rights Children and Crime Support for children Approved Counselling Scheme Financial Assistance

Role of Victims Services We provide support and information to victims of crime in NSW. We assist victims in their recovery and as they move through the criminal justice. We oversee the Charter of Victims Rights.

Victims Rights Act 1996 Charter of Victims Rights Victims Advisory Board Victims Support and Rehabilitation Act 1996 Approved Counselling Monetary Compensation Restitution NSW Legislation

Who is a victim of crime? A victim is someone who suffers harm as a result of a criminal offence This includes: – person suffering from physical, psychological or psychiatric harm –Person’s property is taken, damaged –An immediate family member of someone who has died as a result of a criminal offence

Children Children who have experienced sexual abuse, physical abuse, family violence and neglect are all considered victims of crime. As such, in NSW and indeed all of Australia, they are entitled to a range of services and responses from Government and Non-Government service providers such as counselling and compensation.

Children Almost 90,000 criminal incidents reported in NSW in incidents where children aged to 17 years are recorded. Many children are also witnesses to these crimes.

Impact on children Fear Anger Nightmares Regression Changes in sleeping habits School refusal

Reactions to crime Not everyone has the same reaction and some people may have a delayed reaction. Becoming a victim of a crime can be a distressing life event. They may have a range of reactions such as feeling anxious and guilty, nightmares, avoiding people and abusing alcohol. Seeking help early can often prevent long term problems.

Charter of Victims Rights There are 18 rights which protect victims of crime, including the right to: –be treated with courtesy, compassion and respect –information about and access to welfare, health counselling and legal services, where available –information about the investigation and prosecution of the offender –protection from the offender and privacy.

Complying with the Charter All NSW government employees must abide by the Charter. Any person or non-government agency funded by the state to provide services to victims of crime. Victims Services oversees implementation of the Charter. Victims Services helps agencies to understand their role under the Charter.

Meeting Children's Rights Recognise and acknowledge children as victims Child friendly environment Child friendly information Informing children Referring children for counselling and compensation

Access to services

Victims Access Line Information and referrals Emotional support Crisis intervention Advice for workers Provides assistance with claim processes including counselling and financial assistance Receives concerns about the Charter

Who is eligible to apply for compensation and counselling A person injured by an act of violence in NSW. They could be a: Primary victim Secondary victim Family victim

Approved Counselling Scheme 350 Approved Counsellors in NSW Initial 10 hours approved 12 further hours can be approved Families of homicide victims have 20 hours approved Average of six hours per client Specialisation for children

No.of counselling applications received Offence 16 & under Males 16 & under Females Males Females Assault Assault - Sexual Domestic Violence Home Invasion Homicide Robbery4954 Other Total

Victims Compensation 3 Key Concepts Act of violence Be an eligible victim –Primary Victim –Secondary Victim –Family Victim Sustain an injury

No. of Compensation claims made in

Do we adequately consider children's rights as victims of crime?

Victims Access Line – Mandy Young Christine Griffiths –