For people affected by sexual violence

Glossary. Rārangi kupu.

A B C D E G I J N O P R S T V W Y

A

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Adjournment
When a court sitting, or any other case meeting, is postponed to a later date and/or location.

Synonyms: , Adjourn
Appeal
A request to a court to change a decision e.g type of sentence, length of sentence.

B

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Bail
The release of a person from custody on conditions, including that they go to court

Beyond reasonable doubt
Standard of evidence needed to prove a crime occured

Synonyms: , Beyond a reasonable doubt

C

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Callover
A meeting to get the case ready for trial.

Synonyms: , Callovers
Charges
Formally accusing somone of something that is against the law.

Consent
Giving permission for something to happen. A person doesn't have to verbally say 'no' or fight back to show that they haven't consented.

Court Victim Advisor
Someone who helps victims to go through the court process

Synonyms: , Also known as CVA

D

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Defendant
The person accused of the crime.

Dock
The place where the person accused of the crime will stand (or sit) during their trial.

E

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Evidence
Various things presented in court to prove an alleged fact i.e videos, witness statements.

G

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Give evidence
Answering questions about what happened to you.

Synonyms: , give your evidence

I

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Image based sexual abuse
Sharing intimate content of someone without their permission (even if the content was made with permission).

Synonyms: , Revenge pornography
Inadmissible evidence
Evidence that can’t be used in a trial.

J

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Jury
Twelve people from the community who decide if the person is guilty or not guilty.

N

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Non-contact order
Stops an offender who was sent to prison, for more than two years, from contacting you in any way. The judge can impose certain conditions such as not living, visiting or working in particular areas.

O

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Offender
Person convicted of a crime.

P

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Parole
When an offender is allowed out of prison to finish their sentence in the community. They must follow certain conditions.

Plea
A formal answer to a charge e.g guilty or not guilty.

Synonyms: , Pleads
Police officer in charge
Your main contact person with the police for your case.

Synonyms: , Also known as OIC or OC
Pre-sentence reports
Report prepared by a probation officer or others to help the Judge decide on a sentence.

Prosecutor
The lawyer who presents the case against the person accused of a crime.

Protection order
A protection order means an offender can be arrested if they hurt, threaten or approach you or your children. You can apply for a protection order if you're in a domestic relationship with the offender. A judge can include a protection order in a sentence

R

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Restorative Justice
A restorative justice conference is where the victim of a crime and the offender work with a specialist sexual violence facilitator to meet and discuss the crime. It provides an opportunity for both of you to have a say.

S

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Sentence
The consequences of the crime for the offender if they've pleaded or been found guilty.

Sentence indication
A statement by the court that provides the person accused of the crime an idea of the type and length of the sentence for their charge/s.

Sentencing
This is when the Judge decides what happens to the offender if they've pleaded or been found guilty.

Sexual Assault
Sexual Assault is a broad term used to cover all types of sexual offending, including rape.

Sexual Violence Victim Advisor
Specialist worker who helps people through the court process.

Synonyms: , Also known as SVVA
Specialist support worker
A person from a specialist sexual violence agency who can help support you

T

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Trigger
Something (a place, sound or something else) that causes distress by bringing back feelings or memories associated with a traumatic experience.

Synonyms: , Triggering

V

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Verdict
Formal judgement whether someone is guilty or not guilty.

Victim impact statement
A record of how the crime has affected the victim. The Judge must consider it when sentencing the offender.

Victim Notification Register
A confidential list used by criminal justice agencies to keep victims informed about the offender.

W

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Witness
A person who tells the court about what they have seen, heard or experienced.

Y

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Young people
A boy or girl aged 14, 15, 16 or 17

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