Crimes Act changes to target child neglect, 'claim of right'

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Wed, 13 Apr 2011 6:39a.m.

A number of proposed amendments to the Crimes Act will be introduced to Parliament today.

Under the changes it will be an offence to ignore evidence of a child being physically or sexually abused.

The bill would also double the penalties for those found guilty of cruelty to a child and parents who fail to provide the necessities of life.

Other proposed changes include taking away the 'claim of right' defence, which was used by three men acquitted over damage they caused to the Waihopai spy base in 2008.

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Comments

13 Apr 2011 11:13a.m.

Shep wrote:

Well put "Clarke".

13 Apr 2011 08:41a.m.

Clarke wrote:

Whats the point of upping the penalties when public servants arent charged for contributing to the neglect or abuse of children either. New Zealand has a very long history of state sponsored abusers, or government departments such as Child Youth and Family services not acting appropriately in their role as carers either. This still ignores the governments duty to intercede at appropriate times, and in recent years many children have died as a result of government agencies ignoring severe cases of neglect and abuse. Upping the penalty will do nothing to actually stop abuse, the government needs to target young parents who need help and make sure they have adequate tools via the use of parenting clases or drug and alcohol withdrawel programmes.

13 Apr 2011 07:49a.m.

RolanTheRat wrote:

What's the point of upping the penalties when the courts don't use the maximum prison term now. What are they trying to do scare the people into not doing it Do these people have any brains what so ever.