Headline: Green Party extends offer of support to Govt for justice system fix
Justice for victims of sexual violence is not a political issue but one of fundamental justice relevant to every family in New Zealand
The Green Party is extending a commitment to the National Government to support them in any potential cross-party work to address the barriers to getting justice victims of sexual violence.
Green Party Co-leader Metiria Turei has written to the Minister of Police to ask for action on the Law Commission’s recommendations that would make changes to the justice system to better serve victims of sexual violence.
“This most recent case in Auckland of a group of men sexually assaulting young women and girls has demonstrated both the personal and systemic barriers that prevent complainants coming to the Police and Police taking prosecutions,” said Mrs Turei.
“We have a unique opportunity to build public and political consensus for reforms of the court and police processes to better deliver real justice to the victims of sexual violence offences and their families.
“The Law Commission has a range of well supported recommendations to make improvements and I know that there is a real willingness in New Zealand to make some positive changes from this horrible case.
“The work that the Law Commission started needs to be resumed as a matter of urgency.
“I have asked the Minister if she will do three things; progress the implementation of the Law Commission recommendations, establish a joint ministerial responsibility between Police and Justice to address this situation, and consider a cross-party group of MPs to look at these issues.
“Justice for victims of sexual violence is not a political issue but one of fundamental justice relevant to every family in New Zealand.
“I believe that Parliamentarians will be prepared to set aside our political positions to work in the best interests of victims, their families and ultimately justice.”
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