Petition · past parliament · Ministry of Justice

Increase minimum and maximum sentences for all crimes against children

Closed 4,969 signatures

What the petition asks

We want longer sentences to be given to people who commit or incite crimes towards children.

From physical harm to mental harm, molestation, grooming, manipulation, rape, exploitation and more.
We want this changed as we believe current sentencing is not strict enough. These are the most evil of crimes and a child is the most innocent of victims.

A child must be protected and be safe.

Too many offenders have short sentences and go on to re-offend.

Justice is not served for all the children affected by adults who commit crimes against children, who are our future. They need protected and current sentences fail to do this.

Increasing sentences should keep offenders off the streets and away from our children!

Being abused causes many life-long issues that do not allow a person to heal and justice is needed to those who have suffered at a bare minimum.

Timeline

18 Aug 2020 Petition opened for signatures
18 Feb 2021 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 4,969
Status Closed
Department Ministry of Justice
Opened 18 Aug 2020
Closed 18 Feb 2021

Follow this petition

Sign in to get an email when the government responds, a debate is scheduled or held, or the petition closes.

Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.