A new support guide for stalking victims released today by the Auckland Women’s Centre includes advice about what to do if police don’t take concerns seriously.

“Trust and confidence is currently low in the police, and we really need specialist advocates to advise police on how to protect each victim-survivor of stalking,” said Centre spokesperson Leonie Morris. “In the meantime, we’ve included tips on reporting to police, should victim-survivors choose to do so.”

The guide, entitled Your options and rights – if someone is stalking you, hassling you or just won’t leave you alone includes tips on recognising stalking; increasing digital and physical privacy and safety; supporting someone else being targeted; and legal options. The guide states “stand your ground” if police “seem to downplay” concerns, and mentions police complaints processes.

“Some stalking victim-survivors receive good support from the police, but many others have had their concerns minimised, like the victims in the Jevon McSkimming case and the Michael Forbes case – that treatment is not rare,” said Morris.

“Our key aim with the guide is to ensure victim-survivors of stalking and harassment know their concerns are valid, know they’re not responsible for someone else’s unwanted, intrusive behaviour, and know they don’t have to face stalking alone – friends, whānau and anti-violence services can help support their safety and mana.”

Morris said although the new anti-stalking law is not due to come into force until May next year, police can already respond to certain stalking behaviours. “They can serve a trespass notice, for example, if it’s too unsafe for the victim-survivor to do that themselves, and in certain cases they can currently even charge people with criminal harassment.”

The guide also notes, under the NZ Victims’ Rights Act 2002, “police are legally obliged to treat victims with courtesy and compassion and respect victims’ dignity and privacy.”

Morris said the guide was a step towards an Aotearoa free from stalking. “We’re wanting everybody’s life, mana, dignity, safety, wellbeing and future to no longer be at risk due to unwanted intrusions.”

The guide is available to download and/or read online from the Auckland Women’s Centre website: https://awc.org.nz/stalking-response-guide/

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