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New Zealand adds "disability" to its legal definition of "vulnerable adult" to strengthen protections, following abuse commission recommendations.
New Zealand is updating its laws to better protect vulnerable adults by including "disability" in the legal definition of "vulnerable adult" under the Crimes Act 1961, following recommendations from the Royal Commission into Historical Abuse in State Care.
The change, which clarifies existing law rather than expanding it, aims to strengthen safeguards for adults with disabilities.
While some advocacy groups urged replacing "vulnerable" with "adult at risk" to avoid stigma, officials warned of potential legal complications, leading the government to retain the original term.
The move is part of broader reforms to address historical abuse in care systems, including changes to record-keeping oversight and worker vetting, with a $71.5 million investment to support a safer care workforce.
Nueva Zelanda añade "discapacidad" a su definición legal de "adulto vulnerable" para reforzar las protecciones, siguiendo las recomendaciones de la comisión de abuso.