Skyrocketing crime rates have sparked calls to overhaul Victoria's self-defence laws. Existing legislation allows residents to defend themselves against violent intruders using reasonable force, but there are calls for greater protections.

Victoria

A Victorian crossbench MP has called for a review of the state's self-defence laws in response to increasing incidents of violent home invasions. The current laws require the use of 'reasonable force' when defending against an intruder, a standard that can be subject to interpretation by police and courts. The proposed changes, known as 'castle law', would allow residents to use force, including deadly force, to protect themselves and their property within their homes. The proposal will be presented to Parliament, but any legislative change would require a formal review by the Victorian Law Reform Commission. The state government maintains that current laws are proportionate and encourages residents to contact police in emergencies, while similar debates are ongoing in other states such as Queensland.

Calls to overhaul Victoria's self-defence laws

It's a terrifying scene, but one all too familiar. More and more Australians coming face to face with violent home intruders. Some fight back, others use unconventional methods. For the majority, victims are left injured and traumatised. It's actually just been over two weeks, still very fresh, angry, very angry, but not scared because I'm not the only victim. One Victorian crossbench MP is now calling for greater power for those who defend themselves. At the moment there's not good clarity about what happens when you defend your home against a killer or a murderer or someone coming into your house. The state's existing self-defence laws only apply if reasonable force is used against an attacker, a term that can be argued by police and the courts. Castle law would allow individuals to use force, including deadly, to defend themselves and their property against intruders in their home. The current law as we know it basically says you've got to use reasonable force. Let's be realistic. Anyone that comes into your home, they've got a balaclava on, machete or knife. What's reasonable? You're probably just going to cut loose. The proposal will go to Parliament on Wednesday, but for any changes to be considered, the Allen State Government would have to request a formal review by the Victorian Law Reform Commission. Our self-defence laws here in Victoria are proportionate and Victorians are encouraged. In fact, we plead with Victorians to please continue to call Victoria Police in any emergency situation. Victoria isn't the only state where castle law is up for debate. The Queensland Government hosed down renewed calls for changes to its own legislation after Catter's Australian party attracted more than 42,000 signatures in its most recent parliamentary petition. And if laws were to change, there's no guarantee it would deter criminals from breaking in or causing harm. Who's got actually power to fight for six people with guns and machetes and knives? Jade Kotik, 10 News.

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