The Victims’ Register

The Victims’ Register is where we collect the contact details of victims, their eligibility and the details of any crimes committed against them.

Victims on the register have access to more services and information than a general member of the public.

Eligibility

If you are the victim of an offence for which the offender is in prison or under community supervision you are eligible to be placed on the DCS Victims' Register. In the case of homicide offences, registration is open to members of the deceased person’s family.

We can sometimes help those who have not been directly impacted by the offence in question.
For example when you have given evidence in court or you are victim of domestic violence and the offender is in prison for an unrelated crime.

Each case will be slightly different but we will help where we can. If you have any questions please contact The Victim Services Unit.

You are not eligible if you committed or took part in the crime.

How to apply

You can apply online using the online victims registration form.

Alternatively you can download and complete one of the following forms:

Your details will be checked and your eligibility verified.
If someone in prison is released into community supervision and you are already on the Victims' Register you do not need to fill in another form. We will keep you up to date.

If you wish, you can nominate an alternative contact. You can do this on your online form or notify us in writing if you would like another person to represent you.

If the victim is under the age of 18 a parent or guardian must be nominated.

Concerns about the Victims’ Register

The offender will not be told you are on the Victims’ Register. If you have any concerns about confidentiality please feel free to contact us.

What happens next

We will keep you up to date and give you accurate information about the prisoner or offender. The Parole Board will also be notified of your registration, if relevant to your registration.

If there is a problem with your application you will be contacted as soon as possible.

Approved applications

Once approved you will be provided with general updates by standard mail or email.

If the matter is urgent we will contact you either by telephone or in writing.

Registered victims are also able to contact the Victim Services Unit at any time for advice and updates.