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Politics | Domestic violence

New law to curb family violence

The Family Violence Amendment Act comes into effect today. Strangulation, coerced marriage and assault on a person in a family relationship will now be recognised as offences.

Under the new law, the act of strangulation of a family member will carry a maximum penalty of seven years imprisonment. Strangulation is one of the most common assaults in family relationships but has been difficult to distinguish under the Crimes Act.

Speaking to Q + A , Justice Under-Secretary Jan Logie said, "one million New Zealanders are directly affected by family violence".

"We know that too many, particularly women and children, are dying as a result of this violence and we need to come together to turn that around".