Auckland Women’s Centre Launches New Guide to Support Stalking Victims

The Auckland Women’s Centre has released a new stalking-response guide aimed at helping victims who feel their concerns aren’t being taken seriously by police.

Centre spokesperson Leonie Morris says trust and confidence in police remains low, and the guide is designed to ensure victim-survivors know their rights and have clear, practical steps they can follow.

The guide – Your options and rights: if someone is stalking you, hassling you or just won’t leave you alone – includes advice on recognising stalking behaviours, improving digital and physical safety, seeking legal protection, and supporting others who may be targeted.

One key message urges victims to “stand your ground” if police appear to downplay their concerns. Morris says some victims receive strong support from police, but many others have their fears minimised – citing cases like Jevon McSkimming and Michael Forbes as examples of a wider pattern.

The Centre says the new anti-stalking law won’t come into force until May next year, but police can already act by issuing trespass notices or, in some cases, laying criminal harassment charges. The guide also reminds victims that under the Victims’ Rights Act, police must treat them with courtesy, compassion and respect.

Morris says the overall aim is to ensure victims know the behaviour is not their fault, and that they don’t have to face stalking alone – with friends, whānau, and specialist anti-violence services available to support their safety and mana.

The guide is available now on the Auckland Women’s Centre website.