Victims at the heart of the criminal justice system
The effectiveness of a justice system depends on the trust, confidence, engagement and participation of victims. The criminal justice system asks victims to make statements and give evidence during the investigation, prosecution, sentencing and release of offenders. All victims need to feel confident and safe to report crime and engage with the justice system.
Because an effective system relies on victims’ trust and confidence, there is an obligation to treat all victims with respect and dignity. This includes giving victims’ voices a place at the heart of decision-making about the future of the New Zealand justice system.
This page was last updated: