8683 (2025). Hon Dr Duncan Webb to the Minister of Justice

8683 (2025). Hon Dr Duncan Webb to the Minister of Justice: Is sexual offending included in the government's target for a reduction in the number of victimisations from violent crime; if so why did the minister not include statistics on sexual offending in his recent release claiming a reduction in violent crime?

Hon Paul Goldsmith: Yes, sexual assault is included in the definition of violent crime for the Government’s reduced violent crime target. The 24,000 fewer victims of violent crime was measured by the New Zealand Crime and Victim Survey (the Government’s measure for the violent crime target) in the twelve months to October 2024. The New Zealand Crime and Victims Survey measure of violent crime includes victims of sexual offending. Sexual assault in the New Zealand Crime and Victim Survey is defined as forced sexual intercourse or other sexual acts, unwanted sexual touching, or threats of sexual assault. Attempted sexual assault is included in the measure.