Corrective Services NSW

CSNSW Victims Register

Information for victim-survivors of adult offenders

The CSNSW Victims Register can share certain information about offenders serving sentences in New South Wales with victim-survivors and eligible persons. This information can help support you plan for your safety and participate in the criminal justice process after sentencing. We provide a voluntary, free, responsive and confidential service to support you. 

For more information, read the CSNSW Victims Register fact sheet (PDF, 184.6 KB).

The CSNSW Victims Register fact sheet is also available in other languages:

Who can register?

You can apply to go on the CSNSW Victims Register if you are:

  • the direct victim of the offence
  • a family representative of a direct victim who died from the crime; or
  • the direct victim’s primary caregiver (if the victim is currently under 18 years or has a legal incapacity such as a disability)
  • a nominee of the direct victim (if the victim is already registered).

There are situations in which more than one family representative can be registered. If this could apply to you, please call us to discuss your matter.

The offender must be serving a custodial sentence in NSW. This means a court decided the offender is guilty and they are:

If none of the above apply to you and you can show us that your connection to the offender places you at risk, you may still be eligible to apply. Please contact us to discuss your situation.

Are you a victim-survivor of a serious offender?

If you are a victim, or direct family member of a deceased victim, where the offender:

  • received a life sentence
  • is serving a sentence, or a combination of sentences, where the offender will not become eligible for release from custody, including release on parole, until the offender has spent at least 12 years in custody, or
  • been convicted of murder.

We will attempt to contact you to inform you of your eligibility to register. This means you may receive a letter and a call from us explaining our service. It is a voluntary service, so you decide whether you would like to join. You can also ask for us to contact you at a later date.

Who is not eligible?

Anyone who was not directly involved in the offence for which the offender is currently sentenced, such as:

  • a witness or bystander uninjured by the offence
  • a member of the family but not the victim of the offence (other than a family representative)
  • an unrelated individual interested in following the progress of the offender
  • a community representative or group.

What can I receive?

Offender information

We can provide information about offenders including:

  • location and classification in custody
  • sentence details
  • eligibility and submission support for pre-release leave and parole
  • a decision to revoke parole
  • escape from custody
  • death in custody or the community.

Why register?

Registering allows you to:

  • receive timely information about the offender’s sentence
  • understand what is likely to happen throughout the offender’s time in custody
  • receive support to make submissions, where the legislation allows
  • on request, receive updates on the offender’s security classification and custody location.

What do I need to apply?

You will need the following information to apply:

  • the offender’s first name, surname
  • offence details (date, location and nature of the offence)
  • the police event number (if known)
  • court details (court case number (if known), date and location)
  • investigating officer/station
  • proof of your identity.

How can I apply?

Before you apply, please see our CSNSW Victims Register application information (PDF, 201.3 KB).

You are welome to apply using any of the options below:

What happens next?

After you apply:

  • we will confirm receipt of your application
  • we aim to process applications within 10 business days, however this timeframe may vary (please note we prioritise applications based on the offender’s earliest possible release date)
  • we may contact you for verification or additional information
  • we will contact you once your application has been finalised
  • if you are not eligible, we will explain why and, if relevant, refer you to other support services
  • you can ask us to close your registration at any time
  • your registration will remain active for the duration of the offender’s sentence.

Contact the CSNSW Victim's Register

We’re here to help. If you’re looking for further information about our service or to request information about an offender, please contact us during business hours: 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday.

Phone 02 8688 0555

Email [email protected]

Post Locked Bag 5111, Parramatta NSW 2124

Victim submission support for unescorted leave or parole

We can support eligible registered victim-survivors to make submissions if the offender is being considered for unescorted leave or parole. We will contact you to explain the process and let you know if you can make a submission.

Preparing a submission is voluntary and allows victim-survivors to express their views and request conditions they would like the offender to follow if leave or parole is granted.

For more information about the parole process, please read our information booklets:

Other Government support

Victims Services

Provides information to victims of crime about their rights and how to access financial assistance and counselling.

Visit the Victims Services website 

Call the Victims Access Line 1800 633 063.

Business hours: 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Specialist Victims Support Service

This service maintains the register for victims of forensic patients.

Find out about the Specialist Victims Register 

Call the Victims Access Line 1800 633 063 then choose option for Specialist Victims Support Services.

Youth Justice Victims Register

Youth Justice maintains the register for victims of young offenders who were found guilty of a crime, have been sentenced by the courts and are currently in custody in a Youth Justice Centre.

Visit Youth Justice Victims Register for more information.

Call 02 8688 9139.

Community support and advocacy groups

Homicide Victims' Support Group

A support group for the families of homicide victims.

Visit the Homicide Victims' Support Group website

Call 8833 8400 or toll free 1800 191 777.

Enough is Enough Anti-Violence Movement

Provides counselling and delivers community programs.

Visit the Enough is Enough website

Call 02 9542 4029.

Victims of Crime Assistance League (Hunter) (VOCAL)

Supports victims of crime in the Hunter region including counselling, court preparation support, and advocacy.

Visit the VOCAL website

Call 02 4926 2711.

Survivors and Mates Support Network (SAMSN)

Provides counselling, group programs and support to male survivors of child sexual assault and their families.

Visit the SAMSN website

Call 1800 472 676.

For further support, please review our Support Services fact sheet.

CSNSW Victim's Register FAQs

What is a family representative or primary caregiver?

A family representative is any family member who registers on behalf of a direct victim who is deceased, is under 18 or has a legal incapacity. You will be required to provide proof of your relationship to the victim.

A primary caregiver is a parent or guardian of a victim.

Can I register on behalf of my child who is underage or has a legal guardian?

Yes, you can register as a family representative. If your child is not legally incapacitated, they can also register for themselves when they turn 18. This will not affect you unless you do not wish to continue your registration with us.

My family member is deceased because of the offender's crime, can I register?

Yes, you can register as a family representative.

I am under 18 and would like to register myself, can I register without a family representative?

If you are between 16 and 17 years old and do not have a family representative who can register on your behalf, please contact us on 02 8688 0555 to discuss your options.

Who is not eligible to register?

Anyone who was not directly involved in the offence for which the offender is currently sentenced, for example a:

  • witness or bystander uninjured by the offence
  • family member of the victim if the victim is over 18
  • person interested in following the progress of the offender
  • community representative or group
What types of crime can I register against?

It can be any crime for which an offender has received a custodial sentence. A custodial sentence includes a sentence where the offender is:

  • in prison
  • on parole in the community
  • on an intensive correction order for a personal violence offence in the community
  • on a detention or supervision order issued by the Supreme Court.
Can I register if the offender has been in custody a long time or is on parole?

Yes, you can register with us at any time after the offender has been convicted and sentenced for offence(s) related to you, if the sentence is still current.

Is there a deadline to register?

No, you can register at any time whilst the offender is serving a custodial sentence relating to you.

Can I register if I am not in NSW?

Yes, if the offender is currently serving a custodial sentence in NSW.

Can I register if the offender's sentence expired?

No, after the offender’s sentence expires you can no longer register unless the offender receives another custody sentence related to you. 

Can I register if the offender is serving a community corrections order, conditional release order or recognizance order in the community?

No, these are not considered custodial sentences. Please contact the police officer in charge for further information.

Can I register if the offender is in prison awaiting sentencing?

No, the court must decide the offender is guilty first before we can register you. We cannot register you while the offender is unsentenced, being held on remand or is on bail in the community.

I am a relative or friend of the victim, can I register on their behalf?

Yes, only if the victim is registered and appoints you as a nominee. Nominees can receive information for the victim and must share that information sensitively with the victim. Please note that only the victim can write a submission, a nominee cannot write one for a victim.

I am not a direct victim, but my connection with the offender puts me at risk, can I register?

Yes, you may qualify to register as an interested person. Please contact us to discuss 02 8688 0555.

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We acknowledge Aboriginal people as the First Nations Peoples of NSW and pay our respects to Elders past, present, and future. 

Informed by lessons of the past, Department of Communities and Justice is improving how we work with Aboriginal people and communities. We listen and learn from the knowledge, strength and resilience of Stolen Generations Survivors, Aboriginal Elders and Aboriginal communities.

You can access our apology to the Stolen Generations.

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