Call for domestic violence reform

Call for domestic violence reform

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Usman AzadKalgoorlie Miner Attorney-General Michael Mischin has said he would review options for reform of domestic violence legislation in response to a Parliamentary report. The


Parliamentary Standing Committee on Environment and Public Affairs on Thursday released a concise three-page report agreeing with a petition from activist Angela Hartwig. Ms Harwig has


argued the use of the so-called “one punch” legislation is inappropriate in domestic violence cases. “In particular we believe the charge of ‘unlawful assault causing death’ should not apply


in cases where it can be established there has been a history of physical violence and abuse,” she said in her letter to the committee. “The nature of the charge implies a one-off momentary


act of violence has caused the death and does not appropriately reflect the history and circumstances of the crime.” WA Labor MP Sue Ellery has joined the call for the Government to review


the law. “This was not the intention of the one-punch laws,” Ms Ellery said. GET THE LATEST NEWS FROM THEWEST.COM.AU IN YOUR INBOX. Sign up for our emails