The Victim Notification Register (VNR) is a confidential service provided by the Office of the Commissioner for Victims of Crime.
The VNR serves as an important connection between victims of crime and the justice system, providing victims with information about the offender who committed the crime against them.
Once registered, victims can receive updates regarding the offender’s status while they remain under the supervision of the Department of Justice – whether they are in custody or on a community-based supervision order, including parole.
Victims of both adult and juvenile offenders are able to register on the VNR.
How can the VNR help me?
If you are a victim of crime, you may want to stay informed about key events in the offender’s time in custody or their supervision under a community-based order. The VNR can help you feel more secure by offering access to information such as:
- The bail status, and any release from custody to the community on bail.
- The length of an offender’s sentence.
- Dates of release, including parole or home detention.
- Any changes in the offender’s status, such as escapes or re-captures.
- Notifications about appeals against an offender’s sentence.
- Community corrections supervision details after the offender is released from custody.
The VNR ensures you are always aware of key developments concerning the offender that could impact your safety or peace of mind.
Who can register?
Victims who are eligible to register for the VNR include:
- Direct victims: anyone who has suffered injury, loss, or damage as a direct result of a criminal offence. Victims can also choose to nominate an agent to receive information on their behalf.
- Family members of victims: if the victim has passed away or is incapacitated, immediate family members may register.
- Family Violence Restraining Order (FVRO) holders: if you are not the victim of a current offence, but you hold a current FVRO against the offender or can prove a history of domestic violence in the relationship, you may also be eligible to register.
- Guardians of child victims: if the victim is a child (under 18), a parent or guardian can register on their behalf.
- Select government agencies: including members of the Western Australia Police Force and the Department of Communities.
How the VNR works
Show moreWhen an offender engages with the justice system, the VNR does not automatically begin notifying victims; it is a voluntary, opt-in service. If you wish to stay informed about an offender’s circumstances, you must apply to be registered.
Once you are registered with the VNR, you will receive automatic notifications about important events related to the offender’s sentence and supervision.
Notifications are sent via letter or email, and typically occur within five working days of a change. The notifications are designed to provide peace of mind without disclosing personal information about the offender.
The VNR will always maintain your confidentiality.
What information can I receive?
Show moreVictims registered with the VNR can receive the following details:
- Bail status: including releases to bail.
- Sentencing information: the length of the offender’s sentence, their parole eligibility, and any updates to their sentence.
- Release information: when the offender is scheduled for parole, community supervision, or completion of their sentence.
- Escape notifications: if the offender escapes from custody, you will be informed of both the escape and recapture.
- Appeal outcomes: if the offender appeals their sentence or conviction, you will receive updates on any changes that result.
- Reporting location: you will be informed of the Community Corrections Centre to which the offender reports if they are released on parole.
In some circumstances, the VNR will not be able to provide you with certain information. For example:
- Due to privacy restrictions, only specific information related to the offence against you can be shared. Personal details of the offender, or details related to other offences, will not be disclosed.
- Once the offender has completed their sentence, the VNR will no longer provide updates. You will be reminded of this as the offender reaches their sentence expiry date.
- If the offender commits another offence after completing their sentence, you cannot receive any further information about them, unless you are the victim of the new offence, have an FVRO or meet the domestic violence provisions.
How to apply for the VNR
Show moreYou can apply to register for the VNR:
- Online: fill in the online application form
- By post or email: complete the application form provided in the VNR brochure and send or email it to the listed address.
- By phone: contact the VNR team on 61 8 9425 2870 for assistance or to request an application form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Show more1. Who is eligible to register for the VNR?
You can apply if you are the direct victim of an offence, a family member of a deceased or incapacitated victim, or the holder of a current FVRO against the offender. Parents or guardians may register on behalf of child victims.
2. What if the crime happened a long time ago?
As long as the offender is still under the supervision of the Department of Justice for the offence, you can register with the VNR – even if the crime took place many years ago.
3. What kind of information will I receive?
You can receive information about the offender’s bail status, sentence, any upcoming parole or release dates, and changes in their status, including escapes or appeal results. However, the VNR cannot provide personal information about the offender.
4. How soon will I be notified about changes?
Victims are typically notified within 5 business days of any change to the offender’s status. In urgent situations, you will be notified as soon as possible.
5. Can the offender find out that I am registered?
While it is possible an offender may find out that someone is registered, they will not be informed of your identity. All your personal details remain confidential.
6. What if the offender reoffends?
If the offender commits a new offence after completing their sentence, you won’t receive updates unless you are the victim of the new offence or you qualify under domestic violence provisions.
7. How long will I receive updates?
You can receive updates for as long as the offender remains under the supervision of the Department of Justice. Once their sentence ends, you will no longer receive information.
8. How can I update my details?
It is important to keep your contact information current. You can update your details by contacting the VNR office via phone or email. This ensures you will receive timely notifications if there are changes to the offender’s status.
Further information
Show moreFor general inquiries, contact the VNR directly on 61 8 9425 2870 or vnr@justice.wa.gov.au
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