The Victims Centre has released two documents to support the second stage of its engagement work informing the development of the Victims Code.
The first report 'Proposed structure and content for New Zealand's Victims Code' seeks your views on the proposal to model New Zealand's Victims Code on the Health and Disability Code of Consumers' Rights. The report has been written to facilitate the Victims Centre's conversations with interested parties on the development of the Victims Code. Those interested in providing feedback can do so by Friday 24 February 2012.
The second document provides a summary of the feedback the Victims Centre received from the engagement events it held between October and December 2011. The Victims Centre wishes to sincerely thank all those who took time out of their busy day to participate in these events.
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The Victims Centre hit the road in November, holding workshop and hui in five regions of New Zealand. The engagement process continues. For more information, follow this link
Eligibility criteria has been extended for the sexual violence court attendance grant. Victims of sexual violence may not always be able to access an unpaid support person, for example a family member or friend, when they give evidence in Court. A non-government organisation providing a support person to a victim in these circumstances can now claim up to $300 per day. All enquiries should be directed to Victim Support, who administer the grant.
From 1 July 2011 victims of serious crime and sexual violence will be able to apply for additional support and services. July 1 also marks the establishment of the new Victims Centre within the Ministry of Justice.
The new initiatives build on the eight entitlements (see previous news 29 June, 2010 below) and services already paid for by the $50 offender levy imposed on all convicted offenders from 1 July 2010. These new initiatives will be administered by Victim Support.
Financial assistance is now available for families whose loved ones have been killed through a criminal act that is not homicide (such as dangerous driving causing death, or careless use of a firearm). This includes up to 30 trauma counselling sessions, and discretionary grant of up to $3,000. Find out more.
A means-tested emergency grant of up to $2,000 for economically disadvantaged victims of a serious crime who require special assistance (such as emergency accommodation, new security locks, trauma counselling, and relocation costs) but have no income to provide for their needs. Find out more.
From the 1st July a court attendance allowance of $100 a day will be available for both victims of sexual violence and their unpaid support person. Find out more.
From 1st of July financial assistance of up to $1,000 will be available for victims to assistance with expenses to attend justice- related meetings (such as restorative justice meetings, coronial hearings, and meetings with court-based victims advisers).
The centre provides an oversight of victims’ rights, services, and resources across government agencies. It will provide information to people working directly with victims of crime and help government and community agencies to better co-ordinate their services.
“One of the centre’s first tasks will be to develop a Victims Code which will clearly define the standard of service that victims can expect to receive from government agencies,” Mr Power said.
Find out more about the Victims Centre.
29 June, 2010
A range of initiatives come into effect on July 1, 2010 providing greater support for victims of crime and more protection for victims of domestic violence.
From 1 July 2010, Police will be able to issue on the spot safety orders for the protection of domestic violence victims. Police will issue these orders in domestic violence situations where there are no grounds to make an arrest, and where Police believe there is a likelihood of further violence occurring. The police safety orders will remove the alleged violent person from the home for up to five days. Find out more about getting a safety order.
Protection for victims of domestic violence will be further extended as criminal courts will be able to issue protection orders on behalf of victims when sentencing domestic violence offenders. Find out more about getting a protection order.
This new service will provide victims of sexual violence with individualised case management and support from an experienced and trained court advisor, who understands the dynamics of sexual violence. By July 2012, there will be eighteen sexual violence court victim advisors operating across the country, the first six in the Northern region from 1 July 2010.
Call Victims Crime Information Line on 0800 650 654 for further information on court support.
The homicide support service currently provided by Victim Support will receive funding for four regional homicide support workers. The service provides practical and emotional support to families of homicide victims from the point when a homicide is discovered, through the court process and beyond. Find out more about support services.
A DVD and three new pamphlets offer easy to understand information about the criminal justice system and the support that is available for victims of crime.
The DVD gives an overview of the criminal justice system and how people affected by crime can get support. It features victims of crime talking about their own experiences of the system along with people who work in the justice system. There are also specific chapters for victims of sexual violence, victims of domestic violence, people affected by homicide and victims of crime by a young person.
The three pamphlets provide:
A $50 levy will be imposed on all convicted offenders from 1 July 2010. The revenue from the offender levy will be used to fund a range of new services for victims of serious crime, including the sexual violence court support service, the enhanced homicide support service and the information resources for victims. A package of increased assistance and grants delivered by Victim Support is also funded through the offender levy and has been progressively rolled out since November 2009. Find out more about the Offender Levy.
If a crime has been committed, phone your local Police station.
If anyone is in immediate danger or is injured, dial 111 immediately.
Provides 24 hour emotional support, personal advocacy and information to victims of crime and trauma throughout New Zealand.
Provides information for people affected by crime about support services and the justice system. This line is available on free phone 9am – 11pm, 7 days a week.
