Victim Support is to receive a funding boost of $10.8 million to improve services for victims of crime.
Justice Minister Mark Burton made the budget announcement at the Prison Fellowship Forum near Wellington. Burton said $10.8 million will be put towards Victim Support in this week's budget. He said it will restructure the largely volunteer based organisation along the lines of a recent review, which includes hiring more specialist staff.
Speaking to more than 100 delegates, Burton said the government is also committed to reducing New Zealand's growing prison population which is forecast to be around 9,000 within five years. He said a multi-agency project is looking at interventions to reduce criminal offending as well as the number of prison inmates.
Last week the Justice and Electoral select committee called for submissions for an inquiry into victims' rights.
Burton said the extra money for Victim Support should see improvements in the quality and consistency of services, reaching those who need it most.
