Research papers. Law and social policy. LL.B. (Hons)Victoria University of Wellington. Available for loan from Victoria University Library.

This paper examines the history of criminal injuries compensation and provides an overview of the current procedures that are available in the Accident Rehabilitation and Compensation Insurance Act (1992), civil proceedings, and the Criminal Justice Act (1985), highlighting both the positive and negative aspects of each procedure as it relates to victims of sexual assault. Whilst these schemes provide some relief to victims, the effects of rape ensure that many victims are unable to fully utilise the available resources. As the state reduces its commitment to victims of accidents, the author argues that reforms are needed to ensure that victims of sexual assault and other criminal injuries are not ignored in the process. Recommendations are made to allow compensation to reflect financial costs incurred in the aftermath of sexual assault, such as loss of income, costs of increasing home security measures, and making a distinction between accidental and crime-related injuries.--AUTHOR'S ABSTRACT