Submission to Justice Committee: Crimes Legislation (Stalking and Harassment) Amendment Bill

All mokopuna have the right to be free from all forms of violence and harm, including stalking and harassment. Mana Mokopuna supports the establishment of an offence of stalking, which can cause significant harm to mokopuna victims/victim-survivors and their whānau and communities. However, we believe additional work is required alongside the Bill. This includes addressing inadequate system responses by investing in awareness raising, training and education for agencies that respond to and intervene in cases of stalking, such as Police and the Justice system. We also recommend further Government investment into mokopuna-specific education on healthy and safe relationships, including on the harms of stalking and harassment, and alongside this, rehabilitation for young offenders, to foster a broader culture that rejects stalking and harassment in relationships.