Petition · past parliament · Ministry of Justice
Make the minimum penalty for rape 20 years with no early release
Closed
44 signatures
What the petition asks
The maximum penalty for rape is life imprisonment however in 2020 the average custodial sentence for all rape offences was just over 10 years and offenders are normally released on parole after serving just two thirds.
There are no shortage of cases where offenders found guilty of rape receive inadequate sentences, and go on to be released after serving two thirds of their sentence. The sentencing is not reflective of the crime.
Timeline
| 2 Aug 2021 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 2 Feb 2022 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
44
Status
Closed
Department
Ministry of Justice
Opened
2 Aug 2021
Closed
2 Feb 2022
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.