This research reveals a troubling culture of victim blaming in Aotearoa New Zealand and it’s family and friends most likely to do it. Victim blaming, where crime victims are held responsible for their victimisation, deflects blame from perpetrators. It also discourages victims from seeking help or reporting crime – a significant issue in New Zealand...

Decades of international research show that many crime victims feel sidelined, unheard, and let down by a justice system that is more focussed on offenders than victims. This report presents the findings of research on the justice experiences and needs of 32 victims of serious crime in New Zealand.