Call for comment: Victim Support Services Bill
The Minister of Social Development issued a call for comment on the Victim Support Services Bill.
The object of the Bill is to provide a framework within which victim support services must be provided to victims of violent crime. The Bill seeks to prevent secondary victimisation of people by providing protection, response, care and support and re-integration programmes. It further seeks to protect the rights of victims and direct that all service providers dealing with a victim treat such victim with dignity and respect regardless of their citizenship, race, gender, culture, religious and personal circumstances.
Further objectives of the Bill include:
- Making provision for the referral of a victim or a person suspected to be a victim to the relevant service provider.
- Ensuring that a victim is assisted to access victim support service programmes and services.
- Providing for intersectoral programmes or support services that seek to promote integrated service delivery for victim empowerment.
- Clarifying the roles and responsibilities of different service providers in the provision of victim empowerment services.
The Bill is accessible here.
The deadline for submissions on the Bill is 16 September 2020 and can be sent via email to Siza Magangoe on [email protected]; Luyanda Mtshotshisa on [email protected]; and Anna Sithole on [email protected].
Please note: The information contained in this note is for general guidance on matters of interest, and does not constitute legal advice. For any enquiries, please contact us at [email protected].
