A new government initiative is set to give victims of crime more power in the criminal justice system.

Justice Minister Amy Adams says victims have told her they struggle to know what their role is after a crime has been committed.

Adams today launched a new Victims' Code that clarifies what rights victims have in the wake of a crime against them.

She said the code fills a vacuum, and will help victims navigate their way through the criminal justice system.

"We've recognised that sometimes the justice system needs to do more to support victims, and this is one of the initiatives that we're rolling out."

Adams said people can find themselves unexpectedly caught up in the justice system through no fault of their own, and the code will help them navigate their way through.

"There's never been a code, so this is a tremendous step forward in making sure that victims are empowered and understand they do have rights in the system."