Podpora žrtvam se sooča z novim pregledom zaradi trditve o "strupeni" in "bullying" kulturi na delovnem mestu

Victim Support, the leading agency in New Zealand dedicated to supporting victims of crime and trauma, is now under renewed public and internal scrutiny due to persistent allegations of a "toxic" and "bullying" workplace culture. These claims come nearly four years after an initial investigation uncovered serious concerns about the organization's leadership and management practices. Current and former staff members have shared detailed accounts of their experiences, describing an environment where they felt unsafe, disrespected, and unable to voice concerns without repercussions.

The controversy began with reports from multiple individuals who claim that the workplace culture remains problematic despite previous efforts to improve it. A current staff member recounted being bullied and picked on by both their direct supervisor and the district manager. They attempted to use internal reporting mechanisms but found them ineffective, as the responses were dismissive and unhelpful. This led to a sense of frustration and disillusionment, with the employee noting that they witnessed a colleague being emotionally overwhelmed and ultimately resigning. Other staff members echoed similar sentiments, indicating that the issue is not isolated but rather part of a broader pattern affecting many within the organization.

The agency's chief executive, James McCulloch, responded to these claims by asserting that the allegations do not represent the current state of Victim Support. He emphasized that the organization continues to deliver exceptional services to victims and maintains a strong focus on staff wellbeing. However, his dismissal of the concerns has sparked outrage among some employees, who feel that their experiences are being invalidated. One current staff member expressed bewilderment at McCulloch's stance, stating that such a response appears disrespectful and offensive, particularly given the ongoing struggles faced by frontline workers.

The situation is further complicated by the fact that in 2021, an independent investigator was commissioned to examine allegations of bullying, inadequate training, and subpar service delivery. While the full report was not publicly released, summaries indicated that although widespread bullying was not found, certain areas showed significant instances of inappropriate behavior by managers. The report also noted that the conduct of two managers was so severe that it would have warranted further action if they had remained in their roles. Despite these findings, the organization has not yet conducted a follow-up review, prompting calls for additional oversight.

The Ministry of Justice, which oversees Victim Support, has acknowledged the concerns and is currently assessing the matter in accordance with contractual obligations. The minister has stated that he will remain informed about developments and ensure that appropriate measures are taken. Meanwhile, some staff members have expressed hope that the ministry will intervene and provide the necessary support to address the underlying issues within the organization.

The ongoing debate surrounding Victim Support reflects deeper tensions between organizational leadership and its workforce. Employees argue that the culture is not only harmful to their mental health but also undermines the very mission of the agency—to provide compassionate and effective support to those affected by crime. As the situation unfolds, the need for transparency, accountability, and meaningful reform becomes increasingly apparent, with many stakeholders calling for an independent investigation to fully understand the scope of the issues and implement lasting solutions.