An organisation supporting families affected by murder says a new Victims Code means people needing help will have clarity on what they should expect from social services.
The Government initiative was launched at the Red Raincoat Trust's annual victims conference in Napier yesterday.
The code explains what people are entitled to under Victim's Rights Act.
Red Raincoat Trust spokesperson Debbie Marlow said in the past, victims had not always been aware of all their rights.
"I think the victims code reduces the revictimisation of the victims, so that they actually get the service that they were supposed to be getting in the first place," she said.
The government said the code presented 11 rights, including the right to be informed, to make a victim impact statement, to receive notifications after court sentencings and to be informed about and express their views on bail.
It also said a victim had the right to make a submission relating to parole or an extended supervision order.
