Victims and adult offenders could meet face-to-face under new reforms
TERRITORY victims of crime will for the first time have the chance to meet adult perpetrators, if potential re- forms to the criminal justice system are put in place.
The reform was just one of the suggestions outlined in a new NT Government discussion paper about victims of crime. The Territory currently only has victim-offender conferencing for some youth offenders. The conferences would only be available for less serious offences and to those who had pleaded guilty.
“One of the key benefits of victim-offender conferencing is that it provides victims, who often feel excluded and disempowered by the traditional justice process, with an opportunity to more actively participate in the justice process,” the discussion paper stated.
Other potential reforms highlighted in the discussion paper include making financial assistance easier to access.
Potential payouts could be as much as $30,000 for economic loss.
VICTIMS of crime will for the first time in the Northern Territory have the chance to meet the adult perpetrators, if potential reforms to the criminal justice system are put in place.
The reform was just one of the suggestions outlined in a new NT Government discussion paper about victims of crime – the Territory currently only has victim-offender conferencing for some youth offenders.
The conferences would only be available for less serious offences and to those who had already pleaded guilty.
“One of the key benefits of victim-offender conferencing is that it provides victims, who often feel excluded and disempowered by the traditional justice process, with an opportunity to more actively participate in the justice process,” the discussion paper stated.
“This can be empowering for victims and help them to heal.”
Other potential reforms highlighted in the discussion paper include making financial assistance easier to access, and improving restitution and compensation orders made under the Sentencing Act.
Potential payouts could be as much as $30,000 for economic loss, $8000 for funeral expenses and recognition payments of between $1000 and $15,000.
Victims would also be offered up to 12 hours of counselling (which could be extended to 22 hours if necessary).
The proposals will be further developed, following the feedback from all stakeholders.
Attorney-General and Justice Minister Natasha Fyles said victims of crime needed to come first.
“This is why we are strengthening the charter of Victims’ Rights, and this is why we want to improve the financial assistance scheme to better support victims of violent crimes,” she said. “This discussion paper gives Territorians the opportunity to have their say on these reforms.
“We want to make sure that victims of crime get all the support they need and deserve from this legislation.”
To read the reform proposals and access the discussion paper, visit justice.nt.gov.au/attorney- general- and- justice/ law-reform-reviews