18 March 2008

MEDIA RELEASE

Government on track with victims’ rights

Many of the recommendations in the Inquiry into Victims’ Rights Report are key to Victim Support’s Commitment to Parallel Justice document released to Government recently.

The Government has responded to Victims’ Rights Report affirming the need to improve information, services and financial support to victims. “We have been advocating for these issues for many years,” says Acting Chief Executive Heather Verry, “and recently brought them back to the attention of Government through our Commitment to Parallel Justice document.

State funded reparation and compensation and improving information and services to victims are a priority. “It is essential that these issues are on the Government’s radar,” says Mrs Verry.

“Through Victim Support the Government is already investing substantial resources to monitor and co-ordinate services to victims;” says Mrs Verry.

“It is important to note that the Government made a commitment to the Victim Support case management approach in 2004. This provides a personalised, flexible, face to face service. Victim Support services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week nationwide.”

Victim Support is a community based service. Victims can contact us through the 0800 VICTIM crisis support line any time of the day or night.

The recently released International Crime Victims Survey shows that New Zealand is a world leader in providing services to victims,” says Mrs Verry. The survey compared New Zealand with 30 other countries and showed that the proportion of serious crime victims who received victim support was highest in New Zealand.

Victim Support, as a face to face voluntary organisation, is well positioned to meet the wide cultural needs of New Zealanders. A State run agency providing telephone support may alienate some Maori victims who are often reluctant to access mainstream services.

ENDS

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