Crimes Act 1961, ss 189A, 194A
As part of a package of law changes in 2018–19 to give better protection against family violence, the criminal law was also changed to introduce some new criminal offences.
Assaulting a family member – If someone assaults a person with whom they’re in a family relationship, they can be jailed for up to two years. This is a heavier penalty than applies in other cases (the penalty for common assault is up to one year’s jail – see: “Types of assault charges and penalties”).
Strangling or suffocating someone – It’s a serious crime to assault someone by strangling or choking them around the throat or neck, or by suffocating them through blocking off air to their mouth or nose. The person can be jailed for up to seven years for this.