The Hodgman Liberal Government is committed to keeping Tasmanians safe, including by improving the protection and safety of victims, and the way our justice system deals with perpetrators.
Today, I was proud to introduce the Family Violence Reforms Bill, which introduces into the Criminal Code the new crime of persistent family violence.
This delivers on a key election commitment and is a nation leading initiative.
Family violence can often occur over a lengthy period of time, with victims often spending months or even years under the control of a violent and abusive partner.
In such circumstances, victims can find it difficult to recall specific details of individual offences. This makes it hard for prosecuting authorities to prove individual offences.
This new offence will allow Courts to take into account the full extent of an abusive relationship, and includes additional circumstances in which self-represented family violence offenders are prevented from cross-examining their victim.
The Bill also strengthens Tasmania’s ‘crime of maintaining a relationship with a young person,’ consistent with the recommendations of the Royal Commission.
The Hodgman Liberal Government is making these reforms to protect our victims of crime and keep Tasmanians safe.
