Getting protection under the Harassment Act Applying for a restraining order Will I need a lawyer to apply for the order? Although it’s possible to apply for a Restraining Order without a lawyer, it’s a challenging process and it’s usually a good…
News & Media
Getting protection under the Harassment Act Opposing (“defending”) an application for a Restraining Order How can I oppose an application that’s been made against me? District Court Rules 2014, rule 20.40 If someone has applied for a Restraining Order against you, you’re…
Going to the police: When the criminal law can help with harassment Overview The worst kinds of harassment – including cyberbullying – can be a crime, and therefore you may be able to make a criminal complaint to the police. There are…
Cyberbullying: Protections against online/digital harassment Overview The Harmful Digital Communications Act 2015 has special processes you can use if you’re being harassed or bullied through texts, emails, websites, apps or social media posts. The aim is to provide a relatively quick and…
Cyberbullying: Protections against online/digital harassment Dealing with cyberbullying yourself Some options for resolving the problem on your own If you want, you can start by trying to deal with the problem yourself. Here are some options: Asking them to stop – You…
Cyberbullying: Protections against online/digital harassment Complaining to the website, phone company or other “online host” How to complain Harmful Digital Communications Act 2015, s 25(1) You can make a written complaint with the online host yourself, or you can ask NetSafe, as…
Cyberbullying: Protections against online/digital harassment Complaining to NetSafe, the cyberbullying complaints agency How do I make a complaint to NetSafe? You can complain to NetSafe by using their online report form, at www.netsafe.org.nz. To report from their home page, click on “Make…
Cyberbullying: Protections against online/digital harassment Going to the District Court about cyberbullying When you can apply to the District Court for “takedown” or other orders Harmful Digital Communications Act 2015, ss 11, 12 If you’ve suffered serious emotional distress because of online…
Going to the police: When the criminal law can help with harassment Criminal offences under the Harmful Digital Communications Act Intentionally causing harm through “digital communications” Harmful Digital Communications Act 2015, s 22(1); s 4 (definitions of “digital communication,” “posts a digital…
Sexual harm Overview If someone does a sexual act to you without your consent, they are breaking the law. This includes things like unwanted sex or touching, or someone taking or sharing a naked picture of you without your permission. If you’ve…
© Community Law, 2025
-
Our Local centres - (Overview)
Specialist centres
-
Donate
to the manual