Justice Minister Annette King today released three new information resources for victims of crime --- a Victims Charter,
Website and a national free phone 0800 Information line.
Justice Minister Annette King announced the development of these resources in February as part of a range of initiatives
to better support victims of crime.
Speaking at today's launch, Ms King said victims of crime have a right to information about the services that can help
them, the criminal justice system, and what they can expect of the system when they become part of it through no choice
of their own.
"What we are celebrating today is that victims of crime, their families and whanau now have three new sources of
information about their rights and the support services available to them".
Ms King said a strong legislative framework is in place for victims under the Victims Rights Act 2002. "I am delighted
with these resources, which reinforce this framework. The resources provide information in a more accessible format. Now
we need to try to make sure that victims make use of them."
The Charter, Website and Information Line --- 0800 650 654 --- are the first step in the Ministry of Justice's broader
work programme looking at practical improvements to existing services to better meet the needs of victims of crime and
their families.
"These measures are not a panacea to address all victim needs, and the Government accepts there is still further work to
be done. The Ministry is also looking, for example, at issues like developing the role of an independent Victim Advocate
in Family Violence Courts, and developing a performance framework for restorative justice. The Ministry has also
undertaken a review of the Domestic Violence Act 1995 and related legislation, and the Government has asked the Law
Commission to look into the issue of compensation for victims of crime."
ENDS