Law and order policy puts victims first

Prime Minister and National Party Leader John Key today released the first part of National's law and order policy, which puts a stronger emphasis on victims.

"National will double the penalties for breaches of protection orders, fund a programme of security improvements for the homes of family violence victims and continue to improve services for victims," says Mr Key.

"This is part of our plan to put victims first, stay strong on crime and build a safer New Zealand.

"Where there is a balancing of rights to be done between criminals and victims, National will always take the side of the victim.

"Our improvements to the justice system will help make sure all victims get the support, respect and security they deserve," says Mr Key.

Since National came into office it has made a series of improvements to the justice system to better support victims.

"Our $50 levy on all offenders has collected nearly twice the first-year target of $2 million. As a result more than 2000 victims have received grants or services.

"Other steps we have taken include ensuring victims have more freedom in their own Victim Impact Statements, reforming the broken legal aid system, and setting up a Victims Centre."

Mr Key says if re-elected, National will stay strong on crime through tougher sentencing, stronger bail laws and a continued focus on victims.

"We will keep working to lower the crime rate further so our families and communities are safer."

View National's law and order policy for victims at: http://www.national.org.nz/files/2011/Victims_policy.pdf

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