A 'victim' of an offence is:

• a person who has suffered injury, loss or damage as a direct result of the offence, whether or not that injury, loss or damage was reasonably foreseeable by the offender
• where the offence resulted in a death, any member of the immediate family of the deceased.

As a victim of an offence, you may want information regarding the sentence and release process of the person who offended against you. If so, you can to apply to the Victim Notification Register (VNR). The VNR provides registered victims with information including:

• eligibility dates for early release orders
• Prisoner Review Board review dates and decisions
• release dates for the prisoner.

The Victim-offender Mediation Unit (VMU) helps victims of crime who are concerned about the offender making contact with them. The VMU can recommend conditions for on an offender's release order that prohibit contact. If you have been a victim of crime and the offender is contacting you, or you are worried that they will try to, contact the VMU.

The Victim Support Service and Child Witness Service, is made up of three services:

1. The Victim Support Service provides counselling, support, information and advocacy services to victims of crime. The service can also assist with information about the criminal justice system, court processes, victim impact statements and criminal injuries compensation. In addition to the metropolitan service, there are 13 regional services throughout the State.
   
   
2. The Child Witness Service provides a preparation service for child witnesses and complainants required to give evidence in courts. Child witnesses and complainants are afforded special protection under the law. The service works closely with the WA Police and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. This service has offices in metropolitan and regional locations.
   
   
3. The Family Violence Service assists victims of family and domestic violence. It provides information on court processes and support in the restraining order process. The Family Violence Service also coordinates the Family Violence Court - a specialist court dedicated to managing perpetrators of family violence and protecting victims.