Several current and former employees of Victim Support, New Zealand's primary agency for aiding victims of crime and trauma, have reported a "toxic" and "bullying" workplace culture, with one describing it as a "very unsafe environment." Chief Executive James McCulloch has publicly stated the agency "does not accept that these claims reflect Victim Support today" and considers such suggestions "disrespectful and offensive." Staff members have expressed dismay at this response, feeling dismissed and unheard, with one stating, "When victims go to police to report a crime there is always a concern that they might not be believed, but I had never thought that within my workplace, especially a support agency, it would be happening to me." McCulloch has since issued a statement expressing upset and welcoming direct communication from staff, while referencing past improvements and a recent staff survey showing high agreement on wellbeing support and a significant decrease in staff turnover.