Law Reform Addressing Family Violence

Choking, suffocation or strangulation

From May 2025, it is an offence to choke, suffocate or strangle someone without their consent, where the person is made unconscious. The maximum penalty for this offence is 10 years' jail. It is also an offence to choke, suffocate or strangle someone without their consent even if no harm is caused.

Legal Services Commission South Australia - Choking, suffocation or strangulation

Domestic Violence Orders apply across Australia

In November 2017, the National Domestic Violence Order Scheme was launched. In South Australia, domestic violence orders are called 'Intervention Orders'.

SA.gov.au - Intervention orders (formerly called restraining orders)

Protections for renters

In December 2015, changes to the Residential Tenancies Act 1995 came into effect. These changes provide greater protections to victims of domestic violence who rent their homes.

South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (SACAT) - Domestic violence

Domestic violence - intervention orders

In 2009, legislation gave police and courts greater powers to prevent and address domestic abuse. The Intervention Orders (Prevention of Abuse) Act 2009 protects people from abuse by restricting what the perpetrator does as well as by requiring the perpetrator to work towards rehabilitation.

Legal Services Commission of SA - intervention orders

Rape and sexual assault

In 2008, changes were made to the Criminal Law Consolidation Act 1935 and the Evidence Act 1929 to:

• make the definitions of sexual offences, including rape, child sexual abuse, and consent, easier to understand
• improve how courts deal with children giving evidence
• give better protection and support for vulnerable witnesses
• allow courts to audio record evidence and reuse evidence from earlier court cases.