New Zealand Should Appoint a Victims Commissioner

“The appointment in the UK of a Victims Commissioner who has experienced homicide herself will lead to a closer more insightful relationship between victims and those agencies set up to assist them” says Debbie Marlow, spokesperson for the Red Raincoat Trust. “It is our experience that some Government agencies in New Zealand fail to adequately gauge the needs of victims due to the sensitive nature of homicide which often leads to misconceptions about what is required”.

Baroness Newlove, Victims Commissioner for the UK who took up her appointment in December last year is already suggesting changes to the UK system which are evidence of her own insight to homicide victims needs. Her latest suggestion that parole hearings should be more inclusive of victims, by allowing victims to view the entire hearing it will make the process more visible and assist in reassuring them that the offender has been rehabilitated.

Red Raincoat Trust is a non-government funded organisation whom assists and supports families of homicide victims. Their Victim Advisors work with and adapt to a homicide families changing needs throughout the judicial process and beyond. Their annual Victims Conference will be held later this month in Wellington.

“New Zealand could easily appoint an independent Victims Commissioner who could oversee the interaction between agencies and the victims, ensuring that their approach becomes more coordinated and consistent. It’s a great idea and one that should be seriously considered here in New Zealand”.

ENDS

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