New Workplace Guide Empowers Employers to Support Employees Facing Stalking

A new guide to equip workplaces with tools to support employees who experience stalking has been launched by Minister for Women Nicola Grigg today.

Stalking has a serious impact on the health, safety and wellbeing of victims, and research shows that stalking frequently extends into workplaces. How an employer responds to stalking can either reduce or compound harm being caused, Ms Grigg says.

Workplaces are a big part of people’s daily lives. We know that perpetrators can use workplaces to contact, monitor, follow or approach victims and this creates real risks for the person affected, and sometimes for the wider workplace.

Recognise, Respond, Support: Practical workplace responses to stalking has been developed by the Ministry for Women in partnership with family violence specialist organisation Shine, in collaboration with Human Resources New Zealand.

Stalking is harmful and unwanted behaviour that intrudes on victims’ lives. Anyone can be a victim of stalking, but women are disproportionately affected, Ms Grigg says.

This guide helps employers recognise stalking behaviours, respond to disclosures, manage safety risks and support staff to access specialist help.

In May, stalking and harassment became a criminal offence punishable by up to five years’ imprisonment under the Crimes Act. The law change and this guide work together – the law holds perpetrators to account and the guide helps workplaces protect and support those affected.

I encourage people in workplaces to read the guide, discuss it with their organisations, take action before issues arise and create safe environments where staff feel supported, Ms Grigg says.