A Plea to Place Public Safety First
A Plea to Place Public Safety First
24 June 2014
Red Raincoat Trust would like to see criminal justice authorities place NZ public safety at the top of their list. “In
the past month we have seen some decisions falling short in protecting our communities and keeping our families safe.
The effect of crime and in particular homicide not only destroys a family unit but a sense of safety within our
communities” says Debbie Marlow, spokesperson for Red Raincoat Trust.
“We need to feel a sense of safety as we go about our lives, safe in the knowledge that those authorities who can, will
keep our families safe from crime” Debbie says. “We believe decisions need to ensure young offenders are effectively
managed, bail decisions monitored, convictions secured, sentences are adequate and parole decisions are based on the
chance of reoffending”.
Red Raincoat Trust is a non-government funded organisation whom assists and supports families of homicide victims. Their
volunteer Victim Advisors work with and adapt to a homicide families changing needs throughout the judicial process and
beyond. Red Raincoat also offers a support network of families from similar circumstances.
“Our annual victims conference brings together far too many families who are victims due to poor decisions made
somewhere along the criminal justice process. It is sad to think that this year again we will welcome new families who
have also experienced such grief which could well have been prevented”.
ENDS