Submissions open on Victims’ Orders Against Violent Offenders Bill
Tue 10 Sep 2013
A Bill to prevent serious violent and sexual offenders coming into contact with their victims passed its first reading in Parliament on 29 August ...
A Bill to prevent serious violent and sexual offenders coming into contact with their victims passed its first reading in Parliament on 29 August 2013. It has been referred to the Law and Order Committee for consideration.
Submissions to the Law and Order Committee are due by 10 October 2013.
The Victims' Orders Against Violent Offenders Bill allows victims to obtain a non-contact order against an offender sentenced to imprisonment for five years or more. The Bill addresses gaps within existing protection measures such as protection orders, restraining orders and parole conditions. More restrictive conditions are intended to help to prevent unwanted contact, including prohibiting electronic contact and entering, living or working in a particular area. Justice Minister Judith Collins says the Bill "recognises victims can suffer significant set-backs during the recovery process if they have unwanted contact with the person who offended against them".
Earlier New Zealand Family Violence Clearinghouse news stories provide further information on the Bill:
Media:
Victims protected from unwanted contact, Beehive, 29.08.2013
Image: iStock