Victims of crime are given a voice

WA’s first Crime Victims Commissioner wants to draw on her work with survivors of Victoria’s Black Saturday bushfires and her legal background to give a voice to those affected by the criminal justice system.

Attorney General Michael Mischin said this week that attorney Jennifer Hoffman, one of only three dedicated crime victim advocates in the country, had been appointed to the position.

Mr Mischin said Ms Hoffman, who will also chair the Victims of Crime Reference Group, will advise on improving services for victims and act as a central point of contact for complaints.

“One of the things I’ve noticed is that in every controversial case, there’s a victim who says there aren’t enough services for victims and they’re forgotten in the system,” he said. “That’s not necessarily true.”

“But victims clearly lack knowledge and sufficient awareness about what services can and are available.

“I hope that in the shortest possible time we can identify areas where there are gaps that need to be filled, things that can be improved and systems that can be put in place to ensure that victims of crime are properly cared for.”

Ms Hoffman said the creation of this position demonstrates a commitment to giving victims of crime the voice they deserve in the criminal justice system and in government.

She said her immediate task would be to talk to victims about gaps in service provision.