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Growing international recognition of the rights and needs of victims of crime was confirmed in the 1985 United Nations Declaration of Basic Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime and Abuse of Power. During the 1980s and 1990s, all Australian jurisdictions introduced legislation implementing the UN Declaration.
The Queensland legislation relating to victims is the Criminal Offence Victims Act 1995 (COVA).
The purpose of the COVA is to advance the interests of victims of crime by stating some fundamental principles of justice that should be observed in dealing with victims of crime. Generally, the COVA principles recognise the right of victims to be treated with courtesy, compassion and respect, to have their privacy respected, to receive information about the progress of the matter through the criminal justice system, to be protected from violence or intimidation, to have their welfare considered throughout the process, and to be given information about compensation and welfare, health and legal services for victims.
The Mental Health Act (Qld) contains provisions for assisting victims of offences by people who have a mental illness. It also contains provisions that aim to ensure the safety of victims and the community. The act enables victims to receive certain information about a mental health patient that is relevant to their safety and wellbeing. The Act also has provisions that enable victims to put their views in relation to these matters and have these views considered in the forensic mental health system.
For more information, refer to http://www.health.qld.gov.au/mha2000/documents/factsheet8.pdf
The Queensland Health Victim Support Service (QHVSS) is a state-wide service that provides information and support to victims of mentally ill offenders.
The establishment of the QHVSS is a key recommendation of the review of the Mental Health Act 2000 conducted by Brendan Butler AM SC in 2006. The Final Government Report of the review, Promoting balance in the forensic mental health system, concluded that change was necessary to ensure victim access to appropriate and timely information, victims' concerns are heard and the mental health system be responsive to their needs. Access to information and support is recognised as being crucial to a victim's recovery and wellbeing.
For further information refer to http://www.health.qld.gov.au/qhvss
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