More financial support for crime victims

Justice Minister Simon Power said more than 60 families a year were expected to benefit from a new homicide support service. File photo / Mark Mitchell

Victims of serious crime will now get more financial support from the Government - including a payment for attending the court hearing of the accused.

Justice Minister Simon Power announced the expected changes at the Victim Support Conference in Wellington this morning.

Click here for the speech in full.

The families of homicide victims will now receive $124 a day for up to five adults members to attend High Court proceedings.

They will also be eligible for an additional funeral grant of up to $4500, on top of the $5500 available from ACC and the discretionary grant for families suffering financial difficulties will increase from $1500 to $5000.

A new homicide support service will established to provide practical and emotional support to the families of homicide victims.

More than 60 families a year were expected to benefit from these changes, Mr Power said.

Victims of sexual violence will also get more help.

A trained adviser will be provided to assist them through the court process.

Eighteen specialists will be based in courts, nationwide.

Sexual violence victims will also be eligible for a grant of $250 for one-off expenses incurred as a result of the violence, such as to replace items of clothing. The scheme will be worth $500,000 a year.

Other victims of serious crime will receive financial assistance to help them travel to court proceedings and Parole Board hearings.

The amount will rise from $1000 to $3000 for court and from $500 to $1500 for parole hearings.

The eight initiatives will be funded from the offender levy.

The levy, of $50, will be collected from all convicted offenders.

Legislation enabling the levy was expected to be passed next week, Mr Power said.

The initiatives will be introduced between this November and July next year.

- NZPA