More support needed for child witnesses

"Changes to New Zealand law, policies and practices are needed to ensure that children who testify in criminal court cases do so safely and with appropriate support, says Barnardos Acting Chief Executive, Niamh Lawless.

“The report titled Child Witnesses in the New Zealand Criminal Courts was released today by the Institute of Public Policy and the Law Foundation. As highlighted in the recommendations of the report, national guidelines need to be developed in relation to child witnesses, and aspects of the Evidence Act 2006 need to be amended and strengthened. We support the recommendations and urge the government to implement them,” says Ms Lawless.

“Among the issues needing to be addressed is the inconsistent implementation of the law, delays in awaiting trials, inappropriate questioning in court, and children being cross-examined in ways that are forensically unsafe.”

“The issues canvassed in the report are important and we need to ensure children who are victims or witnesses to crime must be able to testify in a safe and timely manner. Children need to be protected, with their interests and needs being a primary consideration throughout court processes.”

“We are hopeful that government ministers will accept the recommendations in the report and ensure they are implemented quickly. Doing so will help guarantee the quality of justice delivered by the courts, and that children are able to participate in the justice system fairly,” concludes Ms Lawless.

ENDS

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