Calls grow for Coercive Control Laws as Justice System Focuses on Stalking
A survivor of intimate partner violence is urging New Zealand lawmakers to urgently criminalise coercive control, despite the government stating it is not currently considering a standalone offense. The call comes as the Justice system prioritises legislative changes to specifically criminalise stalking.
Coercive control, a pattern of behaviour designed to dominate and control a partner, can include isolating someone from friends and family, controlling finances, and threats. while existing laws address individual acts of violence, advocates argue they fail to capture the insidious and damaging nature of ongoing coercive behaviour. The government acknowledges concerns but says it will consider options “when resourcing allows.”
The decision not to prioritise a specific coercive control law is linked to a busy legislative pipeline, which includes amendments to address stalking. However, advocates say stalking is often a component of coercive control, and a broader law is needed to address the full spectrum of abusive behaviours.
Those experiencing family violence are urged to contact the police on 111 in immediate danger, or to seek support from:
* Women’s Refuge: 0800 REFUGE or 0800 733 843 (24/7) – https://womensrefuge.org.nz/
* shine: 0508 744 633 (24/7) - https://www.2shine.nz/
* It’s Not Ok: 0800 456 450 – http://www.areyouok.org.nz/
* Shakti: 0800 742 584 (24/7) – https://shaktiinternational.org/
* Ministry of Justice: https://www.justice.govt.nz/family/family-%20violence/
* Te Kupenga Whakaoti Mahi Patunga: https://nnfvs.org.nz/
* White Ribbon: https://whiteribbon.org.nz/