12 February 2008

MEDIA RELEASE

Increased Funding for Victim Support

Victim Support applauds the announcement by Justice Minister Annette King that victims will have improved access to information and services through a range of initiatives.

Acting chief executive Heather Verry said that the boost of funding to Victim Support will enable us to improve the structures and services that we already have in place. “We are delighted that we will have an opportunity to explore options with Government to enhance our existing 0800 VICTIM Helpline”, says Mrs Verry.

Furthermore, the extra funding will enable us to employ additional staff in key areas around the country that are currently under-resourced. We need suitably skilled and experienced staff to support our volunteer base of around 170O. These volunteers provide round the clock support to victims following crime, such as burglary through to homicide, and trauma, such as a suicide or accident.

Victim Support also welcomes the Government’s plans to improve the coordination and integration of information across government agencies and non-government organisations with the proposed Victims’ Charter.

Working well with Government, says Mrs Verry, is fundamental to ensuring the victims have access to the services and information that they need.

Victim Support has released a document entitled Commitment to Parallel Justice urging improvements for victims and is pleased that some of the recommendations contained within it are coming to fruition.

The Commitment to Parallel Justice document can be found on our website www.victimsupport.org.nz

ENDS

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