There are many forms of disaster: those that happen naturally such as flood and earthquake, to such things as home invasion, serious traffic accidents and serious criminal acts and accidents.

Trauma is the emotional response to an extremely negative event. While trauma is a normal reaction to a horrible event, the effects can be so severe that they interfere with an individual’s ability to get on with their life.

Everyone has a different response, but it is widely accepted that if victims of crime and trauma are not provided with adequate support in the immediate aftermath they are at greater risk of experiencing things such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and repeat victimisation.

People who receive adequate support and information are more likely to remain connected in a positive way with their whānau, family and local community and are better placed to rebuild their lives.

Victim support helps victims and their families to find strength, hope and safety in the face of grief and trauma by providing:

• emotional first aid and practical support at the time of crisis
• financial grants to reimburse costs after some serious crimes, especially homicide, death by a criminal act, and sexual violence
• referral to counselling and other services, and payment of counselling costs in some cases
• help dealing with the criminal justice system e.g. attending court, restorative justice, parole board; preparing victim impact statements and help organising travel and accommodation if required
• help dealing with grief, loss, trauma and shock
• follow up on wellbeing / safety after crisis and further emotional and practical support if required
• specialist support following a homicide
• advocacy with other organisations.

We help victims to be in control of getting their lives back on track and ensure they get the services they need and their rights upheld.

Here you can download some helpful information: