Compensating Crime Victims Within New Zealand's No Fault Accident Compensation Scheme: The Advantages and Disadvantages (From International Victimology, P 255-258, 1996, Chris Sumner, Mark Israel, et al., eds. - See NCJ-169474)

• NCJ Number: 169500
• Author(s): J Miller
• Date Published: 1996
• Length: 4 pages
• Sale Source: Australian Institute of Criminology
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: Australia

Annotation

This article outlines New Zealand's comprehensive accident compensation scheme which covers victims of crime as well as victims of accident, discusses advantages and disadvantages and cites several reforms, including two new victim programs.

Abstract

In New Zealand victims of crime and victims of accidents are all compensated as part of the no-fault 24-hour compensation scheme. Available benefits include; weekly compensation; an independent allowance; cover for medical costs; and rehabilitation assistance. Benefits in fatal claims include surviving spouse weekly compensation and compensation for each child under 18 or 21 if studying; a survivor's grant; and a funeral grant. The scheme is funded from premiums paid by motorists, employers, earners, and the Government. The Government has also introduced a Criminal Justice Assistance Reimbursement Scheme to provide some compensation for victims who suffered loss of property or earnings because of: testimony or help as a witness in a case punishable by imprisonment; assistance in the administration of justice; or being in a close relationship with a witness or person who assisted in the administration of justice and as a result of assisting and caring for that person was also victimized and lost property or earnings. The 1994 budget also provided counseling for secondary victims such as the families of murder victims.