Crimes Act 1961 (Part 8)

Part 8 of the Crimes Act (the “CA”) of New Zealand covers crimes against a person including homicide, infanticide, assault on a child, assault on persons in a family relationship, acid throwing, female genital mutilation, coerced marriage and abduction. Section 194 provides a maximum sentence of 2 years for an assault by a male against any female or for an assault against any child under the age of 14. Section 194A of the CA criminalizes assault against another person with whom a person is, or has been, in a “family relationship” and prescribes a maximum sentence of 2 years for such crimes. “Family relationship” is broadly defined to include a spousal or partner relationship, familial relationship or persons who ordinarily share a household or otherwise have a close personal relationship. “Assault” is defined as the act of intentionally applying or attempting to apply force to another person or threatening to apply such force where the person has or causes the other person to believe on reasonable grounds that they have the present ability to effect such purpose. Section 204A prohibits the performance on another person of any act involving female genital mutilation and prescribes imprisonment for up to 7 years for such acts. Section 207A provides that a person is liable to up to 5 years imprisonment if coercion (through intimidation, threats or violence) is used to cause another person to enter into a marriage or civil union. The abduction of persons for the purposes of marriage or civil union or sexual connection renders a person liable for up to 14 years imprisonment. 

Topics

• Domestic and intimate partner violence

Geographical location

• Australia and Oceania
• New Zealand

Keywords

• acid violence
• female genital mutilation
• forced marriage
• child abuse

Year

• 2024

External URL

• Crimes Act 1961 (Part 8)

Type

• Legislation

Jurisdiction

• New Zealand