Call for extra funds for Victim Support as demand grows

More police on the beat being rolled out over the next four years will inevitably mean an increase in demand for Victim Support, the service's chief executive says.

Increased funding to put more police on the beat needs to be matched by extra funding for victims of crime support services, says the head of Victim Support.

Last week, Justice and Courts Minister Amy Adams and Corrections Minister Louise Upston confirmed the justice sector would receive an extra $115m over four years to support the rollout of more police on the beat.

The $115m was part of the Government's $503m Safer Communities package announced last Thursday.

An additional 880 police and 245 non-sworn staff would help prevent crime happening and keep communities safer, and reduce pressure on courts and prison, Ms Adams said.

"This investment builds on the Government's strong focus on preventing and reducing crime, supporting victims through the criminal justice system, and holding offenders to account, she said.

Kevin Tso, Victim Support's chief executive, said the best way to support victims was to prevent crime from happening in the first place.

"That's why we value our partnership with NZ police so highly and are strongly supportive of the Government's justice programme, including endorsing the family violence package announced late last year."

However, more offenders put before the courts were inevitably going to lead to more victims needing the organisation's services, he said.

Mr Tso said Victim Support was not asking for millions in extra funding but enough funding to at least cover the increased costs of operating its service.

"We look forward to working with Government to ensure adequate resources are available for victims to access quality support services as demand for our services grow."

"Victims deserved all the support they need to help get their lives back on track," he said.

Ken Evans, the spokesman for the Tauranga branch of Sensible Sentencing Trust, said the trust wanted to congratulate the Government for the increased in police numbers.

"Our focus has always been to ensure we have reduced crime in communities and victims are well supported particularly through the criminal justice system.

"I think it's fantastic. More police ultimately should mean fewer victims, more offenders put before the courts, and people feeling much safer in their community," he said.

The Government's funding package was aimed at reducing harm, better supporting victims and helping keep communities safe, Ms Adams and Ms Upston said.

Victims helped by Victim Support nationwide the last four years

2013 - 29,468
2014 - 30, 864
2015 - 8, 916
2016 - 31, 849
(for 12 months to June 30)

Source: Victim Support