The protection and safety of victim-survivors of family violence and their children is a priority for the Rockliff Liberal Government.
We recognise that non-fatal strangulation, choking or suffocation is a significant form of violence, which can be a precursor for escalation in the severity of family violence.
That's why last year we established a standalone offence of non-fatal strangulation that appropriately recognises the seriousness of this behaviour, and allow it to be charged and prosecuted as a specific indictable offence in the Criminal Code Act (1924), in its own right.
"Today I am proud to launch the inaugural training on the new indictable offence of non-fatal strangulation. This two day, non-fatal strangulation training is designed to advance the knowledge and practice skills of professionals working in response to family violence, including assisting with successful prosecutions of non-fatal family violence strangulation" said Attorney-General Elise Archer.
"The introduction of this offence appropriately recognises that non-fatal strangulation is an abhorrent and serious form of violence. Unfortunately, it can often be a precursor for further, more serious family violence behaviour.
"Violence in any form is never acceptable and this legislation strengthens our laws, and sends a strong message that this form of violence will not be tolerated.
"The training is designed to enable participants to identify the signs and symptoms of non-fatal strangulation cases, and promote greater recognition about perpetrator behaviour and enhanced responses to high-risk offenders.
"There is tremendous power in increasing community education and awareness of criminal behaviour, as well as coming together and seeing what more we can learn to prevent it.
"This significant suite of family violence reforms confirms we are continuing to ensure our laws are strong and robust, to protect victim-survivors of family violence, and ensure perpetrators are appropriately held to account for the severity of their crimes.
"I thank all of the Safe at Home partners for their commitment in continuing to deliver an integrated criminal justice response to family violence in Tasmania. I also thank all non-government organisations for their incredibly valued work supporting victim-survivors," added the Attorney-General.
