Women’s Self Defence Network supports Law Commission recommendation of new strangulation offence

The Women’s Self Defence Network Wāhine Toa supports the recommendations of the Law Commission to enable a stronger criminal justice response to strangulation, and to recognise strangulation as a particular and significant form of violence.

The Women’s Self Defence Network Wāhine Toa has long known that strangulation attacks are extremely serious and potentially fatal.

“Our self defence teachers have for many years heard first hand from women who have been strangled in family violence situations, how terrifying, intimidating and controlling strangulation is. Unfortunately the statistics speak for the women who cannot speak for themselves, with around 14 women a year in New Zealand murdered in family violence situations, including from strangulation.

Our network teaches over 9,000 women and school age girls annually, and our courses for women and older girls always include strangle releases” says Women’s Self Defence Network Wāhine Toa spokesperson, Alison Broad.

“We commend the Minister of Justice for initiating this review by the Law Commission. We believe its recommendations will give powerful legal backing for victims of strangulation.

We strongly endorse its recommendation for recognising strangulation as a specific and significant offence, and also the recommendations that police and judges should receive specific education about the signs and risks of strangulation.”

ENDS

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