media releases

Victim Support is calling on political parties to consider
New Zealand's victims of crime

24 August 2004

The New Zealand Council of Victim Support Groups has prepared a position document which details the most significant issues facing the country’s victims.

Victim Support Chief Executive Mr Steve Caldwell says “that while a good deal of progress has been made towards improving victims' rights in this country, there still remains much to be done to meet international obligations and improve victim involvement in the criminal justice process”.

“Amongst a myriad of issues, two broad themes stand out for immediate support and attention by Parliamentarians:

1. An overhaul of the system of reparation by offenders to victims. Victims are owed $50 million in reparation orders made by the courts.

2. The ability for increased victim participation in the criminal justice process”.

“It is ironic,” says Mr Caldwell “that in this election the main political parties are talking about tax cuts and interest free loans to students, yet still require victims to provide interest free loans to their offenders in the form of outstanding reparation.”

Victim Support asks the respective political parties to turn their attention to these and other victim's issues in the lead up to the election. They hope that each political party will clearly outline what their policy manifests contain to address victims' needs and rights.

Every year, more than 1.7 million individuals and households are affected by crime. Every year Victim Support works tirelessly to assist as many of these people as possible.

“Members of Parliament, and political candidates should not forget that these people are also electors. All victims and victims’ rights advocates look forward to learning what each party proposes to improve the lot of New Zealand’s victims of crime.” says Mr Caldwell

“Rest assured, the New Zealand Council of Victim Support Groups will be doing all it can to ensure victims of crime and trauma continue to be well supported, safe and in control of restoring their lives.”