Victims survey report released
Chief Victims Advisor to Government Dr Kim McGregor has released the final results from a survey that collected victims’ feedback on the criminal justice system, what works and what doesn’t, and how it can be improved.
Respondents reported largely negative experiences via the Strengthening the Criminal Justice System for Victims survey, which ran during February 2019:
- 63% of respondents reported that their overall experience of the criminal justice system was either poor or very poor.
- 83% of respondents either disagreed or strongly disagreed that the criminal justice system is safe for victims.
- 77% of respondents either disagreed or strongly disagreed that victims’ views, concerns and needs are listened to throughout the justice process.
- 79% of respondents either disagreed or strongly disagreed that victims have enough information and support (not including family and friends) throughout the justice process.
The survey of 620 respondents is one way that victims’ voices are being included in the conversation about criminal justice reform that started at the Criminal Justice Summit in August 2018.
Following the presentation of preliminary results at the Strengthening the Criminal Justice System for Victims workshop in Wellington in March, a full survey report has now been published. A playback report capturing the discussion at the workshop has also been released.
Dr McGregor notes that survey respondents and workshop participants frankly shared their criticisms of the current system along with ideas about how to improve it. She acknowledges that the reports may make uncomfortable reading for some and encourages people to remember that criticisms about gaps in the current system are about ‘the system’ and not of ‘individuals in the system’.
The reports will inform Dr McGregor’s upcoming recommendations to the Government on how the justice system can be improved for victims.
This work complements recently released reports:
- He Waka Roimata: A Vessel of Tears from Te Uepū Hāpai i te Ora – Safe and Effective Justice Advisory Group; and
- Ināia Tonu Nei – The Time is Now: We Lead, You Follow resulting from a Māori justice hui in April, and ongoing work by Te Uepū and the Hāpaitia te Oranga Tangata – Safe and Effective Justice initiative.
For more information, see the Chief Victims Advisor website(external link)
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