Criminal offence for non-fatal strangulation of a family member
Crimes Amendment (Non-fatal Strangulation) Bill 2023
1st House
2nd House
Law
Links to official parliament websites
Effects of this bill
If this bill passes, it means that:
A person commits a crime if they intentionally choke, strangle or suffocate a family member.
A person commits a more serious crime if they intend to cause and actually cause an injury while strangling a family member.
People charged with intentionally causing injury through strangulation cannot use consent as a defence.
People charged with non-fatal strangulation during sexual activity can only use a consent defence if they took steps to check for consent.
A person cannot claim they did not know the victim was a family member to avoid the charge.
Medical procedures or body modifications done in good faith are not crimes under these rules.