The Ministry of Justice has released an animated video which explains how victims of crime can expect to be treated and what happens during the criminal justice process.

The video is available on the Victims Information website, and was developed in consultation with the New Zealand Police, Department of Corrections and Victim Support.

It supports the Victims Code, which aims to increase victims' awareness of their rights, improve accessibility of information, and make government agencies more accountable when providing services to victims.

"We know there is a lot of information available for victims which is sometimes hard to absorb, particularly at the time of the crime," Deputy Secretary Legal and Operational Services Sarah Turner says.

"This video simplifies a lot of that information and also reassures victims that support is available throughout the criminal justice process."