QuentinTodd
Since: Sep 2008
Posts: 44
QUOTE: When considering the advocacy agenda, Paine proposes a very different agenda from that of SST. He has this to say:
".......What is needed is an holistic response to victims from the State that seeks to fully understand and help repair the harm done. A response where victims can define the problems they face and identify (at multiple points of time) what they need and
want, and where we (both the government and society at large) mobilise a full range of resources to meet their needs and repair the harm done." UNQUOTE (see note 1 below)
I believe we live in a punishing society. No amount of punishment will be deemed enough we say for the most horrendous crimes done in the name of the premeditated mind. So in this country we do not have the Death Penalty. Good. It does no good for the victim except perhaps revenge done.
The newsletter you quoted Judy has some balanced arguments and I was intrigued at the suggestions by Tony Paine. An element of forgiveness, does heal if allowed to be thought and actioned properly. However, where the perpetrator's lack of remorse to, say, 1st degree murder, proves most times a difficult situation for a victim's family. I am not sure there are concrete answers to all cases, therefore a balance of justice and forgiveness can be sought - on a case by case basis. Perpetrator behaviour, whether criminal behaviour or merely socially conditioned, should give enough information to victims of this, in order to make informed decisions on how to handle the case at hand.
So, a balanced approach educationally will go along way when helping out victims and this can be introduced into law as a given. Human Rights doesn't work very well if used too often and it has become too PC. The second approach, on perpetrators of crimes in-which categories of law makes plain what breach is done, what indictment should be placed is satisfactory, in my view, but perhaps indictments of horrendous crimes - premeditated - vicious murder of children and adults should be severe enough to the gravity of the crime. I know that there is argument for the Parole period of these been permanently removed - so be it. On the flip side, those lesser crimes which are repairable, should be made to work in favour of the victim - by law - that perpetrators seek counseling and spend time with victims in the process of that.
Thirdly, I am quite concerned about media coverage of the more severe cases. I know it must have a huge effect of the families of victims. Therefore, I believe if UF were to introduce new ground on Victim Support, then this factor should be paramount. It is morally repugnant when media outlets grab "stories" to sell. The Kahui twins (babies) is case in point.
Victim Support should get more help and I do see ground for improvement, morally and legislatively. This I would support in the election November.
