Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is welcoming changes to toughen up the proposed anti-stalking law, including being triggered after two specified acts within 24 months.
“This change better recognises patterns in stalking behaviour and time that can pass between incidents. For example, stalking that occurs around anniversaries would not be covered under the original 12-month period,” Mr Goldsmith says.
“We’ve said from day one victims are our priority. Returning them to the heart of our justice system underpins all our work to restore law and order.
“Stalkers have been able to evade real consequences for their actions for far too long. As I announced in November, the offence will have a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment.
This is a significant change. The bill originally had a trigger of three acts within 12 months, and now it will be just two acts within 24 months. Two strikes and you’re out!
While I think this is justified, care will be needed that a strike only occurs upon proof, not accusation.
David Farrar runs Curia Market Research, a specialist opinion polling and research agency, and the popular Kiwiblog where this article was sourced. He previously worked in the Parliament for eight years, serving two National Party Prime Ministers and three Opposition Leaders
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