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Victim impact survey letter

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Department of Justice Victims Support Agency
23 April 2008

Freecall Helpline 1800 819 817

Dear (SECASA)

Re: Victims' Support Agency Victim Impact Statements Research Project

We are writing to inform you about the Victim Impact Statement Project, currently being conducted by the Victims' Support Agency.

The main aim of the project is to examine the role of Victim Impact Statements in the criminal justice process and the extent to which they are achieving their stated aim of improving victims' experience with this process.

As part of the project, the Victims' Support Agency has developed a Background Paper, which includes a detailed literature review and comparison of the Victim Impact Statement legislation in Australia and relevant overseas jurisdictions. The Paper also identifies a number of issues relating to the implementation of Victim Impact Statements. These include:

  • the "take up" rate of Victim Impact Statements;
  • the provision of information to victims about Victim Impact Statements;
  • the timing of making a Victim Impact Statement;
  • the process involved in making a Victim Impact Statement; and
  • the level of support provided to victims where they make a statement

To date, there has been no detailed analysis, within government, of victims' expectations of the process involved in making a Victim Impact Statement and their level of satisfaction with that process. This will also form part of the research project.

We are keen to consult with CASA members about how Victim Impact Statements operate in practice and whether they achieve positive outcomes for victims. I understand Suzanne Whiting has spoken to you briefly about the research and the possibility of you raising this at the next CASA Forum.

We are happy to be guided by you on how best to consult with members of the CASA Forum in relation to this research and thank you for your assistance.

Yours Sincerely
Clare Morton
Acting Director Community Operations / Victims Support Agency

Sponsor

Department of Justice

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