Lawmakers weigh new legal approach to domestic violence

Lawmakers on both sides of the Parliament have agreed to explore the possibility of making domestic violence a stand-alone crime amid uncertainty about what would constitute the offence. “I would certainly ask that it be up for discussion,” said Olivia Grange, chairman of the Joint Select Committee of Parliament that is reviewing the Domestic Violence Act, during a meeting on Wednesday. Her suggestion was embraced by government and opposition members of the committee from both the Lower and Upper Houses of Parliament.