Victim's Scheme Good News for Restorative Justice

The Government's proposed Victims Compensation Scheme is great news for victims who can't afford to take part in Restorative Justice Conferences, says Kim Workman, Project Director, Rethinking Crime and Punishment. He was responding to the Hon Simon Power's announcement that $5m a year would be available through a Victim's Compensation Scheme for activities such as counselling and travel costs.

"There is a range of legislation which promotes and supports restorative justice meetings between victims and offenders - the Victims Rights Act, Sentencing Act, Parole Act, and the Corrections Act. But until now there has been no funding available to meet the cost
of organising conferences, or meeting victims' travel costs."

"Often a victim will request a restorative justice meeting many years after the offence, or respond positively to a request from an offender to meet, sometimes while the offender is still in prison. Prison Fellowship receives around 40 - 50 such requests each year. Those victims that go on to meet their offender either pay the cost of travel and accommodation or Prison Fellowship has to find the money. In one recent case, the victim lived in Kerikeri, and the offender was in Christchurch prison. This new fund will provide welcome financial relief for many victims".

"The evidence for the impact of restorative justice conferences on victims is very positive. The 2007 UK Smith Institute's international study showed that such conferences:

• reduce crime victims' post-traumatic stress symptoms and related costs;
• provide both victims with more satisfaction with justice than the court hearing;
• reduce crime victims' desire for violent revenge against their offenders;
• reduce the costs of criminal justice,

"It will be important that there will be a guaranteed annual amount available to assist victims. It would be unfair if the amount varied from year to year, dependent on the Ministry of Justice's ability to collect revenue from offenders. Victims are entitled to be treated with respect, and consistent treatment is part of that."

"Rethinking has concerns about the proposed design of the scheme, and will be making submissions to the Select Committee. But the intent is good."

Kim Workman acknowledged the advocacy work of Victim Support and the Sensible Sentencing Trust in promoting victims' rights. "Their efforts have borne good fruit."

ENDS

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