Victims have rights in New Zealand
Victims Code of Rights
The Victims Code of Rights sets out how people can expect to be treated when they’re a victim of crime.
The Code sets out the principles and entitlements in the Victims’ Rights Act 2002. It’s a powerful statement of the obligations of the state under the social contract which allows criminal justice to be practised on behalf of victims.
The Code was approved by the Minister of Justice and published in September 2015.
The Code divides victims’ rights into 2 broad categories: victims' rights and principles guiding the treatment of victims. The Code also says that organisations that provide services to victims must make it easy for victims to give feedback or make a complaint.
Victims' rights
There are 11 rights in the Victims Code.
Principles guiding treatment of victims
There are 8 principles that guide the way government agencies and other organisations that provide services should treat all victims.
Giving feedback or making a complaint
The Code says that organisations that provide services to victims must make it easy for victims to give feedback or make a complaint.
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