A video recorded evidence-in-chief (VREC) statement is a statement obtained from a victim-survivor of a domestic violence offence by a police officer.
These statements are admissible in criminal proceedings for a domestic violence offence as the evidence-in-chief of the witness.
A VREC statement may be used as the evidence of the victim-survivor when seeking a protection order (civil proceeding) if a VREC statement already exists. These video recorded statements replace traditional written statements.
For the purposes of this document, the terms “victim-survivor” and “complainant” are used interchangeably, noting 'victim-survivor' is used in the context of a civil proceeding and 'complainant' in a criminal context. These words should be interpreted as having the same meaning.
Foreword
The court process can be a traumatising and stressful experience for victim-survivors. It is not uncommon for victim-survivors to provide their version of the event on several occasions to different persons, including in a courtroom. The passage of time and the trauma of the events may make recalling the specifics of the offence difficult and traumatising.
From 1 January 2026 a Queensland police officer will be able to obtain a video and audio recorded statement from a domestic violence victim-survivor. This statement can only be taken by a police officer from an adult of a domestic violence offence.
The video and audio recorded statement can be used as the evidence of the victim-survivor in the prosecution of the domestic violence criminal offence. This video recorded evidence-in-chief (VREC) statement can replace a written statement ensuring a victim-centric trauma-informed practice minimising trauma and prioritising safety for victim-survivors.
A VREC can also be used in a DV civil proceeding to support a police application for a protection order (including a Police Protection Direction that proceeds to court as a Court Review) and an application to vary a domestic violence order.
- When can a VREC statement be taken?
A police officer can obtain a VREC statement when:
- The complainant is an adult
- A domestic violence criminal offence is being investigated by a police officer
- Informed consent has been obtained from the complainant either before or at the start of the VREC statement
- The charge is heard in a Queensland Magistrates Court.
A VREC statements can only be taken with the informed consent of the complainant. Where the taking of the statement is not appropriate a police officer may arrange an alternate time and location to obtain a written statement.
- How are victim-survivors protected?
There are strong protections to keep victim-survivors safe.
- Providing a VREC statement is a decision for the victim-survivor. Police officers must explain the process and seek informed consent before taking a VREC statement. Victim-survivors do not need to consent to providing a VREC statement and may choose to provide a written statement instead. Victim-survivors can withdraw their consent at any time including during the video-recorded statement.
- An accused will not be provided with a copy of a VREC statement as it is an offence for them to possess a VREC. The accused may arrange to attend a police station to view the VREC statement in the company of a police officer. Although the accused may obtain a transcript of the VREC statement, it is an offence for them to share the transcript with others.
- A lawyer representing the accused is not permitted to provide a copy of the VREC statement to the accused. The lawyer must ask for more copies to give to other people, such as barristers or experts. All copies must be returned to the Queensland Police Service when the lawyer stops representing the accused or the proceedings end.
- Who can take a VREC statement?
A police officer must complete specialised training before being authorised to obtain a VREC statement from a victim-survivor. Officers have received extensive training on victim-centric trauma informed cognitive interviewing to enable a VREC statement to be obtained that recognises the complexities of domestic violence and trauma.
Information for victim-survivors
- How will police officers seek your informed consent?
A police officer is required by law to explain several matters to a victim-survivor to ensure an informed decision can be made whether to provide a VREC statement to police. These matters include:
- The video recorded statement will only be taken with consent and the complainant may refuse to give their consent
- Consent can be withdrawn at any time while the recorded statement is being taken
- The recorded statement may be played in court as evidence
- The complainant may still be required to attend court to confirm the truthfulness of the statement and may have to give further evidence in court and to answer questions from the prosecutor or from the accused’s legal representative
- The recorded statement may be disclosed to, and used by, the accused person and other persons regardless of whether it is presented in court as the complainant’s evidence
- It may be an offence for the accused and for the accused’s legal representative to publish contents of the video recorded statement outside of court
- It is an offence to state anything the complainant knows is false or untrue and they may be prosecuted.
- Can I have a support person with me while giving a VREC statement?
You can have a support person with you while giving a VREC statement. Your support person cannot be the perpetrator, a child, or a potential witness including a person who has been told of the domestic violence before the police were informed.
A support person is to be a source of comfort during the interview. They are not permitted to interfere with the VREC statement process, answer questions on your behalf, or coach you in any way. If your support person interferes with the VREC, they may be excluded from the interview by the police officer. Your support person cannot also serve as your interpreter.
- Who can see my VREC statement?
If the accused does not have a lawyer, they will be given a copy of the transcript of the VREC statement, and they may arrange a time to view the video and audio statement at a police station.
If they do have a legal representative, their lawyer will receive a copy.
At the end of the court proceedings, the accused’s legal representative must return the copy of the VREC statement to the prosecutor.
- What if the complainant does not speak English?
Police will ensure an appropriately accredited [National Accredited Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI)] officer is contacted to provide interpreter services for the purpose of taking the VREC statement. This can be facilitated by having an interpreter in person with the complainant or via teleconferencing.
Your children, other family members, potential witnesses, and the perpetrator cannot be used as an interpreter.
- Will I still have to go to court?
If the matter proceeds to court where evidence has to be provided, you will be required to attend court. The VREC statement may be played at court, and you will be required to confirm your statement is true, and answer questions from the accused’s lawyer and the prosecutor.
- What happens if I tell police about other offences?
All offences you talk about will be investigated by police. A VREC statement will apply to the domestic violence offences.
- What happens if I need to provide more information at a later time?
A police officer will take another VREC statement or a written statement from you to include the additional information.
- What if I have a disability?
A police officer will consider your needs and make changes (where possible and lawfully permitted) to support you through the statement process. You may also have a support person present with you during the statement. If, however, you do not feel comfortable providing a VREC statement, you can request to provide a written statement instead.
- Can I request an officer of a specific gender or cultural background?
If you would prefer to speak with an officer of a specific gender or cultural background, please discuss this with the attending police officers.
- Can I get a copy of my VREC Statement?
No, you can’t be given a copy of the video recording of your statement. You can view your VREC or read the transcript before any court proceedings, but you won’t receive a copy of the recording.
If you ask the police officer for it, you can be given a copy of the transcript for your reference only.
However:
- You cannot copy or share the transcript (this is an offence under s.103Q(1) Evidence Act).
- You must return the transcript to police once the proceedings are finished.
Note: The law allows you to have the transcript for a legitimate purpose related to your domestic violence case, but it’s only temporary and must be returned after the case ends.
Information for accused persons/defendants
- When will I be told there is a VREC statement in my matter?
If the complainant has provided a VREC statement in relation to the charge, you will be made aware of its existence in the Court Brief (QP9). The Court Brief is provided either to yourself or your lawyer and contains the information the Prosecution are relying on to prove the charge.
If verbal evidence from the complainant is required to be provided to the court, the Queensland Police Service will prepare a Brief of Evidence which will contain the statements of witnesses and other evidence.
A notice will be provided to you if you are unrepresented, or to your lawyer advising of the existence of a VREC statement. A VREC statement is never provided to you. If you are represented by a lawyer, a copy is provided to them. If you are not represented, you will receive a transcript of the VREC statement. This is only prepared if you plead not guilty to the charge or the charge is to be determined in a higher court.
- Can I get a copy of a VREC statement?
No. It is a criminal offence for you to possess a copy of a VREC statement. If you are represented by a lawyer, your lawyer will be provided with a copy. The lawyer is not permitted to provide you with this copy. If you do not have a lawyer, you will be given a transcript of the VREC statement, and you may arrange a time to view the VREC statement at a police station.
Information for Third Parties
- Can I be a support person?
A victim-survivor can request to have a support person present during the interview. A support person is there to be a source of comfort during the interview.
A support person is not to interfere with the VREC statement process, answer questions on behalf of the victim-survivor, or coach them in any way. If a support person interferes with the VREC statement, they may be excluded from the interview by the police officer.
A support person cannot be a witness to the incident, a child, or the perpetrator.
- A support person is concerned the victim-survivor has an impairment which may impact their ability to provide a VREC statement to a police officer. What should be done to address this?
Officers are trained to engage with victim-survivors that may have an intellectual, cognitive, or psychosocial disability. If a support person is concerned about the disability impacting a victim-survivor's ability to provide a VREC statement, this should be discussed with the police officer before the VREC is obtained. A police officer will also make an assessment and ensure the appropriateness of obtaining a VREC statement from the victim-survivor.
Information for lawyers
- Will a transcript be available?
Yes. Transcripts will be provided to the accused and to the court as an evidentiary aid, except for a Registry Committal with transcripts admissible pursuant to section 103IA Evidence Act 1977.
- Are transcripts accurate?
The QPS will produce unverified transcripts for a court event that is not a summary hearing or registry committal. These may contain some errors. These can be used for the purpose of case conferencing.
If a Full Brief of Evidence (FBOE) is prepared for a summary trial or Registry Committal, a police officer will ensure the accuracy of the prepared transcript as a verified VREC transcript.
- Can I keep a copy of a VREC statement after a matter has ended?
No. All copies must be returned to the prosecution within 14 days of the proceeding ending or if you stop representing or acting for the accused.
- Will a VREC statement be disclosed with edits?
A VREC statement may be edited to remove material that cannot lawfully be disclosed. Otherwise, editing will only occur in accordance with the legislative provisions regarding same.
- Can a VREC statement be used in a committal proceeding?
Yes, a VREC is permitted to be used in the same way as a written statement.