We want to ensure that “Victims Rights” are at least equal to – or supersede – the rights of our offenders

Media Release:

23rd October 2008

Crime Victims relegated to “Cake Stalls” and “Sausage Sizzles”

Victims of some of New Zealand’s most violent crimes are congregating in Taupo this weekend to expose the shoddy treatment of victims and raise funds for their annual conference.

Families of murder victims and survivors of many other serious offences will man barbeques and cake stalls at a marquee on Tongariro Domain as well as various locations around Taupo.

The main focus of the event is to raise funds for the annual “Victims Rights” conference normally sponsored by the Sensible Sentencing Trust but due to an ever increasing number of victims wishing to attend now requires extra funding.

The organizers say that they also want to raise public awareness of the issues victims of crime face.

“Victims have been sidelined by a very one-sided criminal friendly legal process and we want to bring a balance to that.”

“We want to ensure that “Victims Rights” are at least equal to – or supersede – the rights of our offenders.”

Among those manning the barbeques will be Sue Couch the only survivor of the Mt. Wellington RSA massacre. Sue Couch’s legal action against the Crown is now making legal history and has been responsible for a sweeping overhaul of the parole system.

Organizers say this will be an opportunity for the public to meet and show their support for the victims of this country’s most serious crimes.

“This battle is not just our battle, anybody could find themselves in our situation, New Zealand has become a very violent, crime tolerant society and we want to change that.”

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