Tough new laws will target dangerous drivers, strangulation
Dangerous drivers who use their cars as a weapon and violent thugs who strangle their victims are to be targeted under tough new laws.
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Dangerous drivers who use their cars as a weapon and violent thugs who strangle their victims are to be targeted under tough new laws.
The state government will on Monday promise to introduce strangulation as a stand-alone offence in the latest bid to curb family violence.
Women strangled by their intimate partner are more than seven times more likely to be killed by that perpetrator.
The new offence will apply in all cases of non-fatal strangulation, not just family violence.
Police Minister Lisa Neville said the stand-alone offence “accurately reflects the trauma caused to victims”.
“These new laws will punish perpetrators appropriately and will be a step in recognising and intervening in escalating family violence situations,” she said.
The state government will unveil plans on Monday for new legislation, including a stand-alone strangulation offence, in its latest Community Safety Statement.
It will also announce new powers to automatically ban drivers caught speeding 45km/h over the limit, or who are facing serious criminal driving offences.
Police can currently issue immediate licence suspensions for some offences, including drug and alcohol offences, but not for more serious charges such as murder, attempted murder or negligently cause death.
Courts can also bail those accused of serious driving offences on the condition they don’t drive but a string of controversial cases have exposed a loophole.
In one, a woman was charged after allegedly running over her partner’s ex-girlfriend but kept her licence while the case played out in court.
She later allegedly drove to the former girlfriend’s home, chased her inside and beat her.
In another case, the family of a cyclist killed in a hit-run was shocked to discover the alleged driver was legally allowed behind the wheel while awaiting trial.
Ms Neville said those speeding by more than 45km/h or facing serious charges should be taken off the road.
“This year’s road toll is devastating and we’re doing everything we can to turn this around,” she said.
“Our new laws mean those charged with driving at an excessive speed or using a vehicle as a weapon for other offences will be immediately removed from our roads — including hit and runs — as they should be.”
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Ms Neville and Acting Chief Commissioner Shane Patton will also launch a police assistance line and online reporting website for non-urgent crimes on Monday.
A trial earlier this year received more than 70,000 calls, “significantly” easing calls to Triple 0.
“These new avenues of contact to Victoria Police will be available 24/7, making it easier for the community to engage with police for non-emergency help, advice and support,” Acting Chief Commissioner Patton said.