Victim Support
Free, nationwide support for people affected by crime, suicide and traumatic events.
We are here for you, 24/7.
Volunteers are crucial to the work of Manaaki Tāngata | Victim Support. With their help we can support thousands of people across Aotearoa New Zealand who are affected by crime, suicide and traumatic events every year. Volunteers come from all walks of life, just like those who need our support.
Volunteering with Manaaki Tāngata | Victim Support can be challenging, but also very rewarding. You will gain valuable skills and make new connections as you support people at their most vulnerable to feel informed, empowered and safe.
You can find out more about the support we offer on our How we can help page.
As a volunteer you will work alongside our staff teams to support individuals who have been affected by crime, suicide and traumatic events.
Volunteers make an incredible difference by providing much needed information and support to people through times of crisis, helping them to recover, make decisions about their future and move forward.
You will be providing emotional and practical support over the telephone or face to face, which might include:
To find out more about the role of a Manaaki Tāngata | Victim Support volunteer, download a copy of the role description below.
Victim Support volunteers provide emotional support, practical assistance, information, referrals, and criminal justice system support to those who have been affected by crime, suicide, and traumatic events.
We know volunteers are busy people, so we’ll agree time commitments with you individually, but we ask that you commit to:
You’ll also be asked to sign a Volunteer Agreement, which outlines how we will support you while you volunteer with us, and what we expect from you.
While you are with Manaaki Tāngata | Victim Support, you’ll receive all the training you need to increase your knowledge and expertise.
You’ll also be supported by a Team Leader who will be your go-to person for any questions or concerns. They’ll make sure you have all you need so you can provide the best support to victims of crime, suicide and traumatic events.
On occasions you may be asked to provide support in another part of the country. This may be in response to a crisis or because demand for Manaaki Tāngata | Victim Support’s services is higher in another area. If you don’t want to be engaged with this, we will respect your right to say ‘no’.
Manaaki Tāngata | Victim Support volunteers come from all walks of life, just like those who need our help – you could be a student, a mid-career professional looking for a new direction, or retired. You might already know a bit about the justice system or be curious to learn more.
Maybe you’ve been affected by crime, suicide or a traumatic event and received helpful support, or maybe you didn’t, but either way you understand how important the right support at the right time is for those who are hurting.
We’re looking for people from all backgrounds who represent the communities and diversity of Aotearoa New Zealand.
We need people who are:
Personal transport
If you want to get involved with visits and face-to-face support, you’ll also need to have your own transport (you will be reimbursed for any travel you do on behalf of Manaaki Tāngata | Victim Support), but if you don’t, no worries – a lot of our support is provided by phone and online so you can get involved from the comfort of your own home.
Manaaki Tāngata | Victim Support is committed to creating an environment where volunteers feel welcomed, supported, valued, and empowered, by focusing on our values of:
Respect, generosity, and care for others
Connections and relationships
Empowerment and self-determination
Unity and collective action
Guardianship and responsibility
Where barriers are identified, we work hard to remove them so that volunteering with us is accessible to everyone.
We do this by:
Being flexible and creating a range of volunteering opportunities that enable people with different skills, commitments, availability, and motivations to get involved
Valuing all contributions, regardless of how much volunteers do or how long they stay with us
Making sure volunteers are equipped to do what we ask of them through training and support
Giving our staff the time, training, and tools they need to support, manage and communicate effectively with volunteers
Engaging volunteers in the work of Manaaki Tāngata | Victim Support means that more victims of crime, suicide and traumatic events can be provided with the support they need to feel informed, empowered, safe and able to cope.
The skills and experience volunteers bring with them, which might include their own experience of crime and trauma, enhances the service that we can provide.
We acknowledge that without the support of volunteers, we would not be able to provide our service.
We will communicate regularly and clearly with you, keeping you up to date with volunteering activities and what’s happening at Manaaki Tāngata | Victim Support.
We will make sure you have a manager who you can contact about any questions or concerns that you might have.
We will respond to your questions and concerns in a timely way.
We will address any issues or concerns with fairness and impartiality.
We will embrace differences and act in an inclusive and non-discriminatory manner.
We will provide you with all the training, equipment and support you need for your volunteering role.
We will reimburse any agreed expenses that you incur while you volunteer with us.
People volunteer with us lots of reasons. Often, it’s because they want to make a difference in their community and have a deep sense of empathy and compassion towards those affected by crime, suicide, and traumatic events. Some bring their own personal or professional experiences with trauma that inspires them to offer their time and skills to help others facing similar challenges.
Volunteering offers opportunities for personal growth, skill development, and community engagement. It connects individuals with like-minded people, building friendships and professional relationships.
Whatever the motivation, volunteers contribute to creating a more empathetic, supportive environment for victims, their families, and witnesses.
What our volunteers say about why they volunteer with us:
‘I saw an ad in the paper at the same time as my last child went away to uni. I had been contemplating volunteering and I thought I could add value and that volunteering with VS would be rewarding.’Mandy, Northland
‘VS really works round my husband’s shifts and child’s appointments. I have control over the shifts I can do, so it slots into my life perfectly.’ Trina, Auckland
Alongside our staff, you will be offering direct support to those impacted by crime, suicide, and traumatic events. Here’s what it involves:
You will be part of an on-call roster and will need to be available for immediate assistance as required. In addition to your rosteredhours (more on that in the following questions), you will engage in follow-up work with victims. Most volunteers have several victims they support at any onetime, and tailor the support to the individual needs of the victim and their own time availability. Victims will need different levels of support depending on the nature of the incident they’ve experienced, how they respond to it, and what they want from us.
After every interaction with a victim, you will need to write up your notes in our database, which need to be approved by your Team Leader. You will receive training on how to do this and all other aspects of the role before you start with us.
What our volunteers say about what they do:
‘Talking to people, listening, lots of listening, doing what you say you will, being non-judgemental, identifying practical things that will help your client move forward. Admin is important – it’s a necessary evil and has to be done! Being open to new people, experiences, and situations. It’s highly likely that you will come across things that are new to you, and you have to be open to that.’ –Mandy, Northland
You will be asked to support people impacted by all types of crime from homicide, family violence and assault, to robbery, theft and online scams. You might also be asked to support someone who has been affected by a suicide or traumatic event like an accidental death or injury, fire or a missing person.
We understand that you mightnot feel comfortable or confident supporting everything. That’s ok. We’ll work with you to accommodate your needsso that you feel safe and supported in your role.
What our volunteers say about the type of work they do:
‘I personally have a history of fertility problems and avoid any ‘baby calls’ as I am unable to emotionally disconnect. But my Team Leader knows this and if ever I receive a call like this, I let her know and she finds someone else. I also cover for others if they don’t do things like road fatalities. Just be honest and the team will cover it and be glad to help.’ – Trina, Auckland
‘I have been asked to cover all types of incidents but if there is anything that I think I cannot deal with, I do not have to accept that referral.’ – Wayne, Tararua District
Yes, you can currently choose from four options that directly support victims. These include,
1. General Support – you will be part of the 24/7 on-call roster providing in-person, phone or online support.
2. Phone/OnlineSupport – you will be part of the 24/7 on-call roster and offer support by phone or online.
3. Working week – you will be part of the 24/7 on-call roster during weekdays only covering various support needs in-person, by phone or online.
4. Crisis Callouts – experienced volunteers can choose to support urgent referrals during weekends and evenings when staff aren’t available. You will be part of a 24/7 on-call roster.
In discussion with your Team Leader, you can switch between options based on your availability, personal circumstances and experience.
We are always looking for new ways to engage volunteers in our work. As new roles are developed, we will make them available through our website and online platforms.
You would primarily be based at home. If you choose a volunteering option that involves meeting victims face-to-face you may need to meet at a victim’s home or another location like a café and will need to organise your own transport. You will be reimbursed for these costs. You will also offer phone and online support. Occasionally you may need to go to the local Victim Support office to meet with your Team Leader and other volunteers, which is typically located within the local police station. Again, you will be reimbursed for these travel costs.
You are asked to give a minimum of six hours a week, with at least four of those on roster – you’ll agree when that is with your Team Leader. You can choose when to complete your off-roster hours, fitting them around other commitments you may have and the needs of the victim. You can contribute during weekdays, evenings, or weekends.
Crisis callout shifts, typically on weekends or evenings, are for 12 hours, but calls can be infrequent so you might not get calls every shift.
Ideally, we would like you to commit to volunteering for at least 12 months. Longer stays ensure better consistency of support for victims and an enhanced experience for you.
If you need a break from volunteering, just let us know and we will organise that with you. While you’re away we’ll check in with you from time to time to make sure you are OK and keep you up to date with any changes. If you decide to stop volunteering with Victim Support, you can leave at any time. To help us make sure victims are given consistency of support, it would be helpful if you could provide us with some notice, so that we can ensure a smooth transition from one person to another.
Yes! You can choose to support people from your own community, across a region, or nationally depending on your preference and availability. You are not expected to attend incidents in-person that are outside your local area but may be asked to provide phone support when necessary.
No. If you choose one of the volunteering options that involves meeting victims face-to-face, you will need to provide your own transport but will be able to get your mileage expenses or fares reimbursed. There is no expectation that you will take victims to meetings or appointments or deliver items to them. In fact, this is actively discouraged by Victim Support. Victims are expected to arrange their own transport for meetings, court procedures, appointments etc.
All volunteers need to complete our Initial Training Programme (ITP) before starting. Currently, it's a two-weekend online course giving information about the organisation, details about the service we offer, and how to support and communicate with victims. Led by a trainer, it includes group work, role-playing, and Q&A sessions.
You’ll also be asked to do some online self-directed learning and will receive training on our IT systems and organisational processes and procedures. Ongoing training takes place at local offices and is an opportunity for you to get together with other volunteers, share experiences, build your knowledge, and develop new skills. It might also include visits to places like your local court or morgue, and presentations on specific topics. Regular refresher training means you stay up to date with organisational changes and practices.
What our volunteers say about their training:
‘The training before starting is good but there is also ongoing training.’ – Wayne, Tararua District
‘The training is intense, and it seems like you won’t remember everything etc… but the reality is you are ‘buddied up’ once trained and don’t have to experience anything alone while you figure it out. There is really nothing that can prepare you, but with good buddies and a supportive Team Leader you can move at a pace that suits you, there is only ever one ‘first’ call out! The ongoing training, and what you learn as you go along is the real bonus.’ – Trina, Auckland
‘You need the experiences to consolidate the training, and you can’t take in everything at once. The initial ITP is good, but there is no substitute for actually working with a client. You will get more training, and refreshers as you go.’ – Mandy, Northland
You will be supported by a Team Leader and be part of a local team of staff and volunteers. The support framework includes regular training sessions and opportunities to meet with other volunteers either in-person or online, to share experiences and learn from each other. The Team Leader provides one-to-one and group support and is the first point of contact for any questions or concerns. Access to free, independent, and confidential counselling is available to anyone who needs it.
Victim Support acknowledges that as individuals with different backgrounds and life experiences, we all respond differently to trauma. You might have personal experience of some of the incidents we support, and this can affect how we support someone. We believe it is important that volunteers are not asked to support people before they are ready. We offer training and ongoing support to enable you to deal with situations knowledgeably and safely to ensure your own health and wellbeing as well as that of the person you are supporting.
Victim Support does not pay volunteers for the time they give. We align with Employment NZ's legal position on volunteers, which states:
‘For somebody to be a volunteer they must not expect payment and they must not receive payment’.
We do, however, believe that you shouldn’t be out of pocket because you volunteer! You will be reimbursed for agreed out-of-pocket expenses. If you are using your own transport for meetings, training or visits to victims, we will reimburse you at the IRD mileage reimbursement rate. For anyone using public transport, you’ll be able to claim the cost of your fare. All other expenses must be approved by the Team Leader in advance.
Anyone volunteering their time to directly support victims will also be provided with a mobile phone, phone number and email address. You will be expected to use these for all VS business to ensure yours and the clients’ privacy is maintained under data protection legislation. The phone will need to be returned to us when you stop volunteering as this remains the property of Victim Support.
You will need to provide your own laptop or computer to complete admin requirements and write up notes on our database. Training will be provided.
Once we’ve received your completed application form, one of our team will be in contact to arrange a time to meet you for an interview. This could be in-person or online. The interview is a chance for both you and us to find out more about each other, see if we are a good fit and ask any questions we have.
All volunteers and staff at Victim Support are asked to complete a Police Vetting Check and have two references. If we’re happy with your references and Police Check, you’ll be accepted as a volunteer and asked to sign a Volunteer Agreement. This outlines what we ask you to do, and the support you can expect from us as a volunteer.
What do you enjoy most?
What have you learnt about yourself through volunteering with Victim Support?
What do you get from your volunteering?
Want to become a volunteer with us? Fill out our online volunteer enquiry form below.
After submitting the enquiry form below, you'll receive an email with a bit more information. You'll also receive the link to our more detailed Application form. When you're ready, take a few minutes to complete the form.
Once submitted, someone will be in touch with you over the next few days to answer any questions you might have and explain a little bit more about what’s involved.
You’ll be invited to attend an interview to check you have the right skills and attributes to become a volunteer. If successful, we’ll ask for your permission to complete a police check and follow up with your references.
Once that has all been completed, you’ll be invited to the Initial Training Programme (ITP) that all volunteers need to attend, regardless of previous experience, and sign the Volunteer Agreement.
Then, you'll be part of the team, and ready to help us help more people!