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Community life
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Going to the police: When the criminal law can help with harassment
Crimes Act 1961, s 179(2), (3)
It’s a criminal offence for someone to tell you that you should kill yourself. The other person can be jailed for up to three years for this or, if you do in fact try to kill yourself, for up to 14 years.
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Harassment and bullying
Community Law
Your local Community Law Centre can provide free initial legal advice and information.
Victims Information
Phone: 0800 650 654
Email: victimsinfo@justice.govt.nz
This is the website of the government’s “Victims Centre”. The site provides links to a range of services available to help victims deal with the practical and emotional effects of the crime, at each stage of the criminal and youth justice process.
Human Rights Commission
Phone: 0800 496 877
Email: infoline@hrc.co.nz
The Human Rights Commission website has information about your rights if you’re sexually or racially harassed:
Harassment and bullying in the workplace
www.worksafe.govt.nz/topic-and-industry/bullying-prevention-toolbox
The Worksafe New Zealand website has information and guidance about workplace bullying:
YouthLaw Aotearoa
Phone: 0800 UTHLAW (0800 884 529)
Email: nzyouthlaw@gmail.com
YouthLaw provides free legal advice for young people throughout New Zealand. Their website provides great information for young people about the law around harassment and bullying.
Ministry of Justice
Applying for a Harmful Digital Communications Order
This has information about applying to a District Court judge for a “take down” order or other type of action when you’ve suffered serious emotional distress because of cyberbullying:
www.justice.govt.nz/courts/civil/harmful-digital-communications/applying-for-a-harmful-digital-communications-order/
NetSafe
Help with online bullying, abuse and harassment
Go to this website for free and confidential help if you’ve been bullied, abused or harassed online. NetSafe has been appointed by the government to be a free information service and complaints agency under the Harmful Digital Communications Act.
NZ Police
www.police.govt.nz/about-site/other-sites/no-bully-website
This police webpage lists a number of phone counselling services and websites that can help.
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