What we do
Victim Support is the community response to people affected by crime and trauma. We help people hurt by crime and trauma find hope, strength and resilience in the face of grief and trauma.
We provide support and information so that people affected by crime and trauma can:
- have their rights upheld
- feel in control as they rebuild their lives
- understand what they can expect from, and need to do, to participate in the justice system
- reduce any financial hardship suffered as a result of the crime or trauma
- maintain and strengthen links with family, whanau and community
- reduce the risk of revictimisation.
How do we do this?
Our 24/7 service is provided free of charge in communities large and small throughout New Zealand. It is delivered by trained volunteers who give their time, energy and expertise to help people in their local community.
Victim Support volunteers are carefully selected and receive quality training on all aspects of providing support to victims of crime and trauma.
Services
- Emotional first aid and practical support at the time of crisis
- Financial grants to reimburse costs after some serious crimes, especially homicide, death by a criminal act, and sexual violence
- Referral to counselling and other services, and payment of counselling costs in some cases
- Help dealing with the criminal justice system e.g. attending court, restorative justice, parole board; preparing victim impact statements and help organising travel and accommodation if required
- Help dealing with grief, loss, trauma and shock
- Follow up on wellbeing/safety after crisis and further emotional and practical support if required
- Specialist support following a homicide
- Advocacy with other organisations
