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Restitution Is A Victim’s Right
Fair restitution to victims is one of the basic principles of justice
for victims of crime, says Victim Support’s Chief Executive, Steve
Caldwell and he welcomes Government initiatives in considering expansion
of reparation options in sentencing.
He states that with the Victims Rights Bill also currently being considered,
reparation should also be included in this legislation to ensure that
the victims’ RIGHT to reparation is recognised. Mr Caldwell stressed
that any such legislation or policy must ensure that victims are fully
informed about the options available and that they can participate fully
in decisions made about the suitability and type of reparation . Some
victims may want to have nothing to with the offender but it amazing how
often victims are prepared to consider creative options when they have
had the opportunity to express their anger and see that offender is being
made to account for their actions in a meaningful way. In a criminal justice
structure focused on victims, he says, victim’s views would be pivotal
in determining what the restitution could include. Payment is one option
but provision of service to victims is a possibility corresponding more
closely to Maori concepts of restorative justice – enforcing accountability
and promoting healing.
Government consideration of advance reparation payments is another step
in working toward a more balanced criminal justice system, Mr Caldwell
said, and the members of the Victims Taskforce would be delighted to note
that many of their recommendations are now being considered.
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