Victim Support Victim Support provides a free, nationwide support service for people affected by crime, trauma, and suicide in New Zealand. Anyone, anywhere, at any time can access our services, either through a referral from an agency like police, or by calling us directly on 0800 842 846. Wherever you are, whatever has occurred, we will connect you with a support worker who will assess your needs and provide you with practical and emotional support. Our support workers support victims in their times of need across a wide range of events, from burglary and assault to sudden bereavement. They are a patient ear to listen and talk, while also providing practical information to help victims find safety, healing, and justice.
This might involve:
• • • • •
listening to someone dealing with the shock of a crime or sudden trauma assisting a bereaved family with the coronial or funeral process supporting a person or family through a trial ensuring victims get any financial assistance they’re eligible for referrals to other support services.
Our support workers are trained to tailor support to the unique needs of you and your family or whānau. We can provide support for you individually, or as a family or group. In Canterbury last year we undertook almost 40,000 total support actions. Of the 4,700 total victims we supported with these many actions, 93 of them were impacted by homicide, and over 64 had been burgled or had disturbed an offender attempting a burglary. Being a support worker at Victim Support is an incredibly enriching and rewarding thing to do. “People don’t just open their doors to me, they open their lives,” says Jennifer, a volunteer support worker based in Christchurch. “I’ve never had anyone tell me to ‘go away’, regardless of the pain or trauma they might be going through. I’m always blown away by just how brave they are,” she says.
Page 45
