Monday, 31 March 2008

Dunne on Nats victims policy

UnitedFuture Leader Peter Dunne is pleased that National has announced its policies for supporting the victims of crime, although he remains concerned at the party’s neglect of one of the major causes of crime – repeat offenders.

“UnitedFuture has long been committed to upholding the rights and dignity of victims and to ensure that they are compensated for the considerable harm they have suffered, so it is gratifying to see National follow suit,” said Mr Dunne.

“However supporting the victims of crime is very much an ambulance at the bottom of the cliff, while definitely needed; it does nothing to address the root causes of crime – one of which is the massive amount of repeat offending in New Zealand.”

“Less repeat offending means less crime which in turn means less victims of crime – that has to be the goal.”

“The problem with our justice and corrections systems is that they do not do what they should, which is to protect the community and rehabilitate offenders. The recidivism rate of offenders who spend time in prison is appalling.”

“Nearly 75% of all inmates are re-convicted within two years of release. 37% reoffend seriously enough to be back in prison within two years and 51% within five years.”

“Offenders with drug and alcohol addictions, with literacy or social problems are not properly treated in our current system, the money just isn’t there.”

“Proper funding of rehabilitation programs are needed, not only for the benefit of offenders but also the wider community – because the best support we can give the victims of crime is for them not to become victims at all,” concluded Mr Dunne.

ENDS

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