Thursday, 14 August 2008

The Ministry of Justice has recently released a discussion document that explores ways to improve the criminal justice response to sexual offending. The document seeks views on possible law changes to the Crimes Act and the Evidence Act and on alternative approaches to deal with sexual violence.

Legislation and alternative approaches are areas that the government is examining in order to identify how the criminal justice system can be more responsive to the needs of victims, and to ultimately improve reporting and conviction rates for sexual violence.

Public feedback on the discussion document will inform the development of future recommendations to Government.

Submissions are due by 30 September 2008. More information and copy of the discussion document can be found at: http://www.justice.govt.nz/discussion/sexual-violence-legislation/index.html?search=true