Queensland victims of crime want their voices heard.

Their calls are being backed by politicians who say the courts need to pay more attention to those who are left behind after someone is murdered.

Brenda Riley reports.

TRANSCRIPT

On a beautiful Brisbane day the ugliness of homicide was there for all to see.

The Queensland Homicide Victims Support Group, was calling on the community to help build a safer state and understand the pain and suffering victims experience.

Jarrod Bleijie, Shadow Attorney General: “We must look at legislation and laws that really prop the victim of the crime up and what resources we can give them because at the end of the day, they’re the ones that have this everlasting impact on their lives.”

Families of the victims say when judgement day comes the impact the crime had on their lives, is often over-looked.

In Queensland courts, not all victim impact statements are made public.

Jarrod Bleijie, Shadow Attorney General: “A lot of victims want the ability to have the judge read out their victim impact statements in court so the offender and the public know what they’ve gone through.”

Support organisations say victims of violent crime need more help as they struggle to cope with the loss of a loved one.

Debbie Lawler, Victim: “In 2002, my 18-year-old son was murdered by a 16-year old. We don’t know the full circumstances but he was walking through a park and the 16-year-old, it was one stab wound and he was gone.”

Despite the overall decrease in crime, statistics show murder rates in Queensland have increased by 19 per cent.

Ross Thompson says the road to recovery can be difficult and long but there are those willing to help make the journey a little easier.

Ross Thompson, General Manager Queensland Homicide Victim’s Support Group: “Don’t think that you’re gonna try and fight it through by yourself. It is a very rocky road.”

The Queensland Homicide Victim’s support group says it will continue to try and assist grieving Queensland families.

Brenda Riley, QUT News.