Youth Services and Youth Justice
Sex Offenders Register - Information Sheet for Clients
The Sex Offenders Register is a register of individuals who have committed serious sexual offences against children and/or adults. The Sex Offenders Register is established under the Sex Offenders Registration Act 2004.
The Sex Offenders Register became operational on 1 October 2004.
The aim of the Sex Offenders Register is to:
· provide a deterrent to re-offending by assisting in monitoring the location and movements of serious sex offenders
· assist in the investigation and prosecution of sex offences committed by recidivist offenders
· assist Victoria Police and police from other jurisdictions in monitoring high risk sex offenders
· prevent registered sex offenders working in child-related employment by making it an offence for them to apply for or engage in such employment and
· provide victims, their families and the wider Victorian community with an increased sense of security.
Placement on the register is mandatory for particular offenders. The Sex Offenders Register is maintained by Victoria Police.
Who will be placed on the Sex Offenders Register?
Certain offenders who are, or have been, sentenced for registrable offences will be placed on the register.
The list of registrable offences includes serious sex offences involving, for example:
· sexual penetration
· assault with intent to rape
· indecent assault
· possession or production of child pornography.
What does being placed on the Sex Offenders Register mean?
Persons found guilty of registrable offences are required to initially report in person to Victoria Police within 7 days upon release from custody or, otherwise, from the date on which a community supervision order was made by the court.
Those obliged to report to police will be required to provide personal information including, for example:
· current and former name(s)
· date of birth
· address or addresses where you generally reside
· names and ages of children who live at your address
· email address
· internet, instant messaging and chat room user names
· employment details
· tattoos and other permanent distinguishing marks
· motor vehicles owned or driven
· affiliations with any club or organisation with child membership or child participation
· convictions and sentences served for registrable sex offences in other jurisdictions
· details of travel plans outside Victoria
· details of any passports held.
Registrable offenders will also be required to report annually to Victoria Police.
Where a change in personal circumstances takes place - such as moving address, changing employment or changing tattoos– registered sex offenders must report details of these changes to Victoria Police within 14 days.
Any intended absence from Victoria must be reported at least 7 days before leaving Victoria and any change of travel plans while out of Victoria as soon as practicable.
The police may take fingerprints and photographs of a registrable offender to aid in identification of the offender.
Child-related employment prohibited
Under the Sex Offenders Registration Act 2004, registrable offenders are prohibited from applying for or engaging in child-related employment.
How long do reporting requirements apply?
Reporting periods of 8 years, 15 years or life will apply to adults depending on the class of registrable offence for which the person has been sentenced. The reporting period is less for young people coming through the Children’s Court.
Victoria Police will inform individuals of their reporting period at the first reporting meeting.
What happens if an offender does not comply with the Sex Offenders Register requirements?
Penalties for non compliance are serious. A registrable offender who fails to comply with their reporting obligations or seeks child related employment may face significant fines or imprisonment up to a period of 2 years.
Youth Justice’s role in the Sex Offenders Register
Youth Justice is required to inform Victoria Police when a Registered Sex Offender has been released from custody and when a registrable sex offender ceases to be under supervision in the community. This notification will allow Victoria Police to follow up if a registrable offender fails to report to Victoria Police within the specified time frames.
How will information on the Sex Offenders Register be used and protected?
Information on the Sex Offenders Register will be used for law enforcement functions and activities and not for purposes of community notification.
The Sex Offenders Register can only be accessed by those who have the authority of the Chief Commissioner of Police to do so and serious penalties, including possible imprisonment, apply to improper disclosure of personal information held in the register.
Under the Sex Offenders Registration Act 2004, the registrable offender has a right to:
· privacy and support when reporting
· a copy of all his/her reportable Register information and
· request the Chief Commissioner of Police to amend any incorrect reportable information held in the Register.
The Police Ombudsman has wide ranging powers to monitor Victoria Police compliance with the Register.
What do I need to do?
If you are a registered offender, you will be provided with a notice that details your reporting requirements. You need to phone the Sex Offenders Registry at Victoria Police on 1800 235 733 to arrange an initial time and place for reporting. You will be provided with further information about your ongoing reporting requirements at that stage.
Please note that if you are intending to travel interstate immediately after release from custody, you must make arrangements to report to Victoria Police, in person, before leaving the State.
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Sex Offenders Register – Information for clients - January 2012