Victim Support and crime victims say it is unfair that some traumatised families are being denied access to counselling while offenders get all the help they need.
Repeat drink driver Jonathon Barclay killed Nelson woman Debbie Ashton, 20, in 2006 when he crossed the centre line and hit her car head-on.
Debbie Ashton's mother Judy Ashton says she doesn't begrudge Barclay having free counselling in jail because she wants him rehabilitated.
But she says victims' families should have automatic access to free counselling too.
Since October, families and friends of murder and manslaughter victims have been able to get up to 30 free counselling sessions through Victim Support, but they must meet strict eligibility criteria.
Judy Ashton says she welcomes the move but says the criteria have to be widened.
In many fatal car crashes, drivers are charged only with dangerous driving causing death and families of those victims aren't entitled to any financial support.
Victim support chief executive Tony Paine says he hopes these equity problems will be addressed by the review of victims' rights being carried out by the Ministry of Justice.
