Know your rights

As a community member who has fallen prey to criminals, you have the following rights:

The right to be treated with fairness and with respect for your dignity and privacy.

· Be respectful to all services providers (police, prosecutors, magistrates, health workers, social workers and correctional service personnel).

· Inform the police about yourself and any of your special needs, so that your right to dignity can be upheld. (All information given to service providers will be treated in confidence.)

The right to receive information

· Ask if you do not receive any information.

· Act on information received – if you are required to attend court, arrive on time.

The right to assistance

· Be helpful to all service providers when they require cooperation with the case.

· Follow procedures as provided by all service providers – report crimes, provide information, and report to court on time.

· Do not obstruct the police and prosecutor in carrying out their duties.

The right to restitution

· Inform the police and prosecutor about property that the accused has taken from you.

· Submit a request to the prosecutor that your property should be returned to you in the same condition it was in before the crime.

The right to protection

· Report to the police and prosecutor if you are threatened in any way by the accused or anyone else related to the accused.

· Participate in the Witness Protection Programme if required.

· Request to be kept informed by Correctional Services if the accused has escaped custody or is transferred.

The right to offer information

· Inform the police and prosecutor if you cannot read or write.

· Inform the prosecutor about how the crime has affected you and your family.

· Give the police and prosecutor correct information – your address, contact details and any other information requested.

· Inform the prosecutor if you need time off work to attend court proceedings.

The right to compensation

· Inform the prosecutor about loss or damage to your property, or injuries you may have sustained as a result of the crime.

· Follow up with the prosecutor about any claims made for compensation.

· Return any money already paid if you do not want the compensation award.

If you are not satisfied with service providers:

You have a right to complain about government departments or the following:

· The Office of the Public Protector

· The South African Human Rights Commission

· The Commission on Gender Equality

· The Independent Complaints Directorate

· Metropolitan Police Departments

· The Health Professions Council of South Africa

· A lawyer of your own choice and at your own expense