Government opens consultation on draft Victims Code

The Government is consulting on a draft Victims Code.

The Victims Right Act 2002 was amended in December 2014 to strengthen and extend the application of general rights for victims, and to increase the rights of victims of serious offences. The amendments included requiring the Ministry of Justice to develop a Victims Code outlining victims' rights and services, complaint processes, and the duties and responsibilities of agencies.

The government has previously consulted on the content and structure of the Code. It now seeks feedback on how easy the Code is to understand and how best to promote the Code to victims and organisations which support victims.

Justice Minister Amy Adams said, "Developing the Victims Code is an important part of our work to ensure victims know their rights. It is vital that victims of crime who are caught up in the criminal justice system through no fault of their own know about and understand it."

Submissions can be made by either: completing an anonymous online questionnaire, or posting a written submission. For more information, and to read the draft Code, visit the Ministry of Justice website. Submissions close on 29 May 2015, 5pm.

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