V-Day for Victims!

15 October 2002

Victory is at hand for victims today with the passing of the Victims’ Rights Act.

“This Act is a major step forward for victims’ rights. It is a concrete response to the 92% of New Zealanders who supported the Norm Withers referendum in 1999”, said Victim Support Chief Executive Steve Caldwell.

The Victims’ Rights Act progresses a number of principles into rights. It calls for government agencies to ensure victims are well informed about criminal justice proceedings. “Previously people who had been a victim of a crime often were victimised again by not being informed of court proceedings or Parole Board hearings. Now government departments must ensure this information is provided pro-actively to victims” says Caldwell.

“Underpinning this Bill is the significant increase of victim’s participation in the justice system” says Caldwell, Victims involved in serious incidents will now have the right to make a submission on any application for Bail, they also have enhanced rights in terms of making Victim Impact Statements and submissions to the Parole Board. “It is pleasing to see the increased importance being given to the voice of the victim within the justice system“

Victim Support has 67 local groups across the country providing 24hour 7days a week services to victims of crime accident and emergency. Last year trained Victim Support volunteers responded to the needs of over 150,000 people during their time of need. “We are pleased to see our comments on the needs of victim have been heard by this government” says Caldwell.

Victim Support was disappointed however that the Act did not provide any mechanism for ensuring that victims receive reparation they are owed or to receive compensation. “Victims often have health, welfare and counselling needs and incur financial costs”. He had also hoped that the fundamental principle of treating the victim with courtesy and compassion would become a mandatory obligation rather than remaining a principle.

Nevertheless, Victim Support is very enthusiastic about this huge leap forward for victims in New Zealand and Mr Caldwell says he is excited by the establishment of a political Watch-dog Committee to oversee the implementation of the new act. “I am sure this will enhance the effectiveness of this legislation and will hopefully ensure political attention continues to be given to victims needs."