Victims’ Submissions to the Parole Board
Victims of crime have the right to participate in justice processes, have their views and concerns heard and considered, and be told the outcome of Parole Board proceedings and parole conditions imposed to protect them from the offender.
Having the right to participate does not make it compulsory. It is your choice whether you wish to make a submission to the Parole Board.
Who can make submissions?
A person who is the victim of an offence may make a written submission to the Parole Board.
A registered victim or a victim of a crime for which an individual has been imprisoned may make a written submission or request to meet with the Board to make an oral submission.
The Commissioner for Victims' Rights (whose office is Victims of Crime SA or VOCSA) also makes a submission to the Parole Board whenever a murderer or life-sentenced prisoner applies for release on parole.
What can be included in a written submission?
There are no set rules about the content or structure of a victim submission. Victim submissions offer you the chance to voice your views and concerns. You might want to include:
- The impact the crime has had on you and your life
- Any safety concerns
- Requests for a condition preventing the offender/parolee from contacting you
- Requests for exclusion zones so you can feel safe. This might include the area where you live, work or study, and shop.
Sometimes, victims of crime include their preferred outcome in response to the application for parole.
To make a written submission, contact the Parole Board Secretariat.
Telephone: 08 8224 2555
Email: ParoleBoard@sa.gov.au
If you are a registered victim, the Victim Services Unit (VSU) within the Department for Correctional Services (DCS) can also offer consultation about ‘no contact’ conditions and exclusion zones and discuss how to make a written submission to the Parole Board.
Telephone: 1800 370 550
Email: DCSVictimServices@sa.gov.au
If you are not registered or require additional support to write your submission, you can contact VOCSA.
Telephone: 08 7322 7007
Email: victimsofcrime@sa.gov.au
Who are registered victims?
The VSU within DCS maintains a Victim Register. Registered victims are entitled to certain information if the offender is under DCS supervision.
You are eligible to be a registered victim if you are the victim of an offence for which the offender is in prison or under community supervision. In the case of homicide offences, registration is open to members of the deceased person’s family. Other people may also qualify to be included on the register (e.g., when you have given evidence in court or you are a victim of domestic abuse and the offender is in prison for an unrelated crime). If you are unsure if you qualify, please contact the Victim Services Unit (VSU).
The VSU is available by telephone from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding Public Holidays. You can leave a message at all other times, and they will contact you as soon as possible.
Telephone: 1800 370 550
Email: DCSVictimServices@sa.gov.au
What to expect if you are meeting with the Board
If you request a face-to-face meeting with the Parole Board to make an oral submission, the meeting will be held at 181 Flinders Street, Adelaide. Parole Board meetings are held two to three times weekly, usually between Tuesday and Thursday. Meetings between victims of crime and the Parole Board most often occur on Tuesdays.
You will meet with the presiding member or deputy presiding member and two board members (including the victim representative, wherever possible). Parole Board Secretariat staff and a transcriber will also be present. The meeting will be transcribed so that a permanent record is maintained by the Board to refer to as required. What is discussed and the transcript is not shared with the offender.
You may bring a support person or a relative or be accompanied by someone from VOCSA or VSU. You are usually allocated about 30 minutes, but the meeting can take as long as you need.
You may present a written statement or simply discuss your views and concerns. There is no set agenda or process for these meetings. Your submission can include anything you think is relevant.
You can ask the Board any questions. In some cases, the Parole Board may not be able to answer your questions or facilitate your request, but this will be explained to you if it is the case.
If you wish to make an oral submission, you should speak with the Parole Board Secretariat to discuss arranging a meeting time with the Board.
Telephone: 08 8224 2555
Email: ParoleBoard@sa.gov.au
How victim submissions are used by the Board
The Board's paramount consideration when determining an application for the release of a prisoner on parole must be the community's safety. Victim submissions often provide contextual information about the offender’s behaviour and criminal activity. This can help the Board when interviewing and considering the offender’s application for parole. Victim submissions can also help the Board determine appropriate parole conditions to promote community safety. These conditions may relate to contact with the person making the submissions and their family members but sometimes address other issues.
Supports available
Regardless of whether you participate in the parole process or not, it can be a difficult time. It can cause some victims to relive their trauma. If you feel you need counselling support, you can contact Relationships Australia SA rebuild program for free counselling as a victim of crime. https://www.rasa.org.au/support/services/rebuild-counselling-for-victims-of-crime/
VOCSA also maintains a list of support services for victims of crime. It can be accessed here: https://www.voc.sa.gov.au/help-and-resources/support-services
Further information
Victims of Crime Act 2001 (SA) s 10 https://www.legislation.sa.gov.au/lz?path=/c/a/victims%20of%20crime%20act%202001
Correctional Services Act 1982 (SA) s 77(2)(ba) https://www.legislation.sa.gov.au/lz?path=/c/a/correctional%20services%20act%201982
SA Parole Board https://www.paroleboard.sa.gov.au/
The Victim Services Unit, DCS https://www.corrections.sa.gov.au/victim-services/are-you-a-victim
The DCS Victims’ Register https://www.corrections.sa.gov.au/victim-services/the-victims-register
Victims of Crime SA (and the Commissioner for Victims’ Rights) https://www.voc.sa.gov.au/