Justice Minister Simon Power today released a consultation document on victims rights following on from the Government's recent announcement of eight new entitlements and services for victims of crime funded by the offender levy.
The proposals focus on victims' involvement in the criminal justice system, from the time a crime occurs until the offender completes his or her sentence.
"Victims find it frustrating having to deal with multiple government agencies to get information about the criminal justice system, their rights, and how to access services," Mr Power said.
"Many victims find the current criminal justice processes bewildering. Victims may feel they do not have any role in the criminal case involving them and often do not know what is happening. The criminal justice system needs to be more receptive to victims' needs.
Preliminary proposals contained in the consultation document include:
* Establishing a Victims' Services Centre as a central coordination and information point for the services available to support victims;
* developing a code of practice that will outline agencies' obligations to victims and against which all criminal justice agencies can be made more accountable;
* establishing a Victims of Crime Complaints Officer to improve the complaints process and assist in enforcing the Code of Practice;
* allowing victims the right to say more in their Victim Impact Statement and to read their statement to the court;
* improving the Victim Notification System for victims of serious offences by widening the scope of the system and tailoring the system so victims can choose the level of notifications they receive and control their level of involvement.
