As a victim of crime, you have the right to be treated with fairness, respect and dignity by South Australian public agencies and officials.

If you believe a public agency or official has not treated you fairly or has failed to uphold your rights under the Victims of Crime Act 2001, you can make a complaint.

A breach of victims' rights does not entitle you to compensation.

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Why make a victims' rights complaint?

Making a complaint is your choice. Some people find it helpful, while others decide it is not right for them.

A complaint can:

  • Help you feel heard by sharing what happened and how it affected you
  • Improve your experience, such as clearer communication or access to information
  • Encourage accountability when processes or standards were not followed
  • Help protect others through system or service improvements
  • Create an official record if concerns continue or need review later

Can I make a complaint directly to an agency?

Many concerns can be resolved by contacting the agency directly. Most agencies have their own complaint processes and may be able to address your concerns quickly.

If you feel comfortable doing so, we recommend that you:

  • Contact the agency and explain your concerns
  • Allow the agency time to respond (usually 2–3 weeks)
  • Keep a record of when and how you contacted them
  • Keep copies of any correspondence or documents

You can speak to a supervising officer at your local police station or complete the SA Police feedback form (external site) (external site) (external site) (external site) (external site) (external site) (external site) (external site) (external site) (external site) (external site) (external site) (external site) (external site) (external site) (external site).

In some instances, you can make a complaint to the Office for Public Integrity (see Complaints about police conduct below).

See the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions  (external site) (external site) (external site) (external site) (external site) (external site) (external site) (external site) (external site) (external site) (external site) (external site) (external site) (external site) (external site) (external site)website for information about making a complaint.

Supreme Court of South Australia

The Honourable Chief Justice
301 King William Street
ADELAIDE  SA  5000

District Court of South Australia

His Honour the Chief Judge
GPO Box 2465
ADELAIDE  SA  5001

Magistrates Court of South Australia

The Chief Magistrate
PO Box 6115 Halifax Street
ADELAIDE  SA  5000

Complaints about police conduct

You can make a complaint to the Office for Public Integrity (OPI) about the conduct of a South Australia Police officer.

Error:

Examples include concerns about:

  • Honesty or integrity
  • Negligence in performing duties
  • Criminal or improper conduct
  • Excessive use of force
  • Drug or alcohol use
  • Conflicts of interest
  • Misuse of information
  • Inappropriate relationships with certain groups or organisations

The OPI cannot investigate complaints about:

  • Fines or defect notices issued by police
  • Court decisions
  • The conduct of the Australian Federal Police
  • The conduct of interstate police officers

What can  I make a complaint to VOCSA about?

You can make a complaint if it relates to:

  • A breach of your rights as a victim of crime under the Victims of Crime Act 2001; and
  • The actions, decisions or conduct of a South Australian public agency or official in connection with a crime that occurred in South Australia.

Your complaint must meet both of these requirements.

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The Commissioner for Victims' Rights cannot:

  • change a decision made by a judge, magistrate or tribunal member
  • direct police to investigate or prosecute
  • investigate a complaint that is already being investigated by another organisation
  • investigate a complaint not covered by the Victims of Crime Act 2001.

Yes. If you are dissatisfied with the agency’s response, you can make a complaint to the Commissioner for Victims’ Rights.

Please provide details of your interactions with the agency, including any correspondence you have received unless  the information is confidential.

Matters dealt with by the Office for Public Integrity or the Internal Investigation Section, South Australia Police are strictly confidential.

You can tell the Commissioner for Victims’ Rights in general terms that you have made a complaint or report, but you cannot publish or disclose information without authorisation from South Australia Police.

When you make a complaint:

  • We will listen to your concerns and treat them seriously.
  • We will assess your complaint to determine whether it falls within the Commissioner’s jurisdiction.
  • We may investigate the complaint or seek further information.
  • We will consider your views and wishes throughout the process.
  • The Commissioner may recommend that you receive a written apology where appropriate.

You can make a complaint by completing our online complaint form (external site) (external site) (external site).

If you need support, a family member, friend, carer or support worker can make a complaint on your behalf.

If you are unable to use the online form, please contact Victims of Crime SA on 08 7322 7007 for assistance (Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm).

Before you start, we recommend gathering the information you need and completing the form in a place where you feel safe and comfortable.

To assess your complaint, we may need:

  • The name of the agency or official you are complaining about.
  • A clear description of what happened.
  • Details of any steps you have already taken to resolve the issue.
  • Dates of relevant events.

Any supporting documents or evidence.

If you make a complaint, we will need to notify the agency involved.

To assess and investigate your complaint, we may need to share some of your information with the agency or other relevant parties. We will only share information that is necessary for the Commissioner to perform their functions.

If you have any concerns about the complaint process or the sharing of your information, please let Victims of Crime SA know when you make your complaint.