Government to fund study to help sex violence victims

The Government is funding a $900,000 research project aimed at improving the justice system for adult victims of sexual violence.

The project, led by the Ministry of Women's Affairs in conjunction with the Ministry of Justice and the New Zealand Police, will investigate how many reports of sexual violence end up with successful convictions.

It will also look at ways to improve the likelihood of victims making formal complaints and investigate how victims can best be supported through the criminal justice system.

Women's Affairs Minister Lianne Dalziel said it was difficult for many victims to talk about what had happened to them because of embarrassment and fear.

She said she wanted victims to feel they would be safe and supported if they reported attacks.

- NEWSTALK ZB