Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Licence needed for work use Learn More
Parliament

Gordon Campbell | Parliament TV | Parliament Today | Video | Questions Of the Day | Search

 

Govt must make up lost time on sexual violence law reform

Govt must make up lost time on sexual violence law reform


The Government must prioritise any recommendations from the Law Commission to improve criminal process for sexual violence cases after it stalled reform work for two years, Labour’s Justice spokesperson Jacinda Ardern says.

“Labour is pleased Justice Minister Amy Adams has today ordered the recommencement of the Law Commission’s work in this area after former minister Judith Collins put it on hold indefinitely in September 2012.

“While recent cases like ‘Roast Busters’ have highlighted the need for this work, there is longstanding evidence that we needed to do things differently if we want to better support victims of sexual violence and bring their perpetrators to justice.

“Only about 9 per cent of sexual violence is currently reported. In 2009 research by the Ministry of Women's Affairs found only 39 per cent of Crown prosecutors and 59 per cent of police and would advise a close friend or family member who had been sexually assaulted go through the court system.

“We quite clearly need to find ways to do things differently.

“While the Law Commission has been asked to revisit its work on alternative pre-trial and trail processes as a matter of urgency, we have already lost some ground.

“It’s our hope that by the time we reach White Ribbon Day next year, we will be discussing tangible ideas and proposals that will make a real difference to the victims of sexual violence and their experience in our justice system,” Jacinda Ardern says.

ends

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

Featured News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.