CrimeNZ - Justice for Victims

Mission Statement and Goals

Victims before criminals - When a conflict of interests arises between the rights of a victim and a criminal, the victims rights takes precedence even when, in its fulfillment, the rights of the criminal may not only be ignored but actively infringed upon.

Justice before legalism - The law should stand to serve justice not hinder it. If the mere application of law undermines apparent justice, then the legal principle should be considered subservient to the dictates of justice.

Victims of crime eligible for legal aid assistance to pursue justice.

A complete overhaul of the criminal justice system - The justice system to be predicated on the three prioritized goals of crime reduction and prevention; siding with victims of crime and the law-abiding; and the re-instatement of punishment, shame, and retribution as legitimate means to deter re-offending.

Assets of those punishable by imprisonment for a term of three years or longer are to be seized for victim support unless proven to be lawfully obtained.

Everyone accused and charged of crime will have a limited right to legal aid - those found guilty will have the full cost of their legal aid bill as a debt to be paid and/or worked off during their prison term except and unless, they have pleaded guilty.

Fundamental changes to the criminal justice system to be assented by referendum.

Crime and its Consequences

Each and every day, we see, hear or know of someone that has been a victim of crime. Whether it be an horrendous murder/rape or car conversion.

As an individual, as a society, a government- as a nation.
The questions remain what do with our levels of crime in this country.
Where is the responsibility and admission of guilt to be placed?
We have law and order policies from government and what have they achieved with crime and their consequences upon all of us? Especially with victims.
I believe very little has been achieved, or thoroughly researched, as to current how current policies are working.
As a society, are we now becoming immune to crime? Crime is happening right now, as you read this. Someone, somewhere is hurting, because of an action of an offender upon them.
Ask ourselves, have we lost the sense of "community and caring for each other". For example, I do not see many "Neighbourhood Watch" signs on lamp posts- the signs of society and its people looking out for each other.
As individuals, we may believe that we are "invulnerable" to any crime- Does this also make us immune to this issue? Or does this cause fear for ourselves, when we know of a friend, neighbour, stranger, family member, work mate, who is a victim of crime? Our invulnerability is now vulnerable.
As victims of crime, we need to be heard and listened to.
Yes, we have our court systems, for recognition of a crime committed. I believe that the courts and beyond, i.e.- parole hearings have the focus on the offender(s), not the victim(s). Victims are allowed to present a Victim Impact Statement. This may possibly imply that at sentencing of the offender(s), it is over for the victim. I can tell you it is not.
If you know of a victim of crime, ask them of the consequences and the difficulties they face.
I only wish this would this would generate through individuals, society and government.
It is our nation, we have to live with crime and its consequences.
What can you do to make a difference?

Written by Carole Marfell.

ABOUT ME:
I am a 36 year old woman. I am a personal advocate for Victims Of Crime. I also give my views on Law and Order issues to the media, when requested. I have run my own business in the past and have been in management/media roles too. I am currently setting up a charitable trust, named "-VICTIM-LINK-SERVICES-".
This is a very personal approach to Victims, involving Advocacy, Support and Contact when requested. It is the only service in this country. It is born out of myself being a victim of sexual crimes and robbery and assault. It was a service that I needed at the time of these horrendous crimes. (I am also doing this with permanent disability resulting from the robbery and assault)
My own personal quote- "a little Compassion Goes A Long Way".