InformatIon for parents

new weapons laws 2010 Knives scar lives

Knives scar lives While Victoria is a very safe place, knife crime has become a concern for the community, and particularly for young people.

In March 2010, the Premier of Victoria announced that tough new search powers would be given to police to crack down on weapons related violence, and that children under the age of 18 would be banned from buying weapons.

The Victorian Government has now introduced new laws to target knife crime and make our vibrant, liveable State even safer.

Tough new weapons laws To combaT Knife crime Under new laws, the penalties for just carrying a knife or weapon are even tougher than before. Police can now stop and search anyone, including your child or yourself, anywhere and at anytime without a search warrant. Police have the power to search people for weapons if they reasonably suspect they are carrying one, or in designated public places. Searches for weapons in designated areas can be either planned in advance, or random searches, without notice, anywhere there has been a weapons-related incident, or where people have been caught carrying a weapon unlawfully, in the last twelve months. The new powers make it easier for police to designate a public place, such as a train station or a school, for either a planned or random weapons search.

The new weapons legislation also:

• allows police to issue $1000 on-the-spot fines for anyone aged 16 or above caught carrying a knife or other controlled weapon. The penalty is doubled to $2000 if they are caught in or around a licensed premises, such as a pub, bar or club. Those under 16 will face court.

• makes it illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to buy a knife or any other controlled weapon. If they do, they will face a $239 on-the-spot fine or they could face court and a fine of up to $1,433

It will also be illegal for a retailer to knowingly sell any type of a knife or other controlled weapon to a person aged under 18. If they do, they can face a fine of up to $2,389.

Stringent rules already apply to the sale and purchase of prohibited weapons, such as flick knives, daggers and swords. It will now be an offence to sell a prohibited weapon to a child under 18. Maximum penalties of over $28,000 or 2 years imprisonment will apply. It will also be an offence for a child to purchase a prohibited weapon. If they do so, they can face a fine of up to $2,986.

The new offences and penalties will come into force in August 2010.

for more information on the new laws, and the control of weapons laws generally, visit www.justice.vic.gov.au/weapons

InformatIon for parents

new weapons laws 2010 Knives scar lives

As a parent, it is may be hard to talk to your child about important social issues such as alcohol, drugs and weapons, but it’s an important conversation to have. It is important to know that one of the main reasons why young people carry a knife is out of fear and a belief they need to protect themselves. This fear is not isolated to night-time either; it is in their every day life such as going to school or walking home. Other reasons may include a belief that carrying a weapon will give them status and respect.

Tips for parenTs: • Only a very small number of young people carry a

knife, but this can have a domino effect. For example, if your child hears of another kid at school who carries a knife, even if your child has never talked to this person it can mean they might decide to carry a knife or other weapon too.

• Evidence suggests that young people listen more to you then you may think. Talk with your child about their fears and the reasons why they feel they need to protect themselves. Discuss these fears and try to guide them to realise other ways to deal with them. Arm them with safer strategies

• Make sure your child knows a knife or other weapon won’t make them safer. In fact, if they carry a knife or weapon your child is in much more danger of serious harm.

• Tell them what can happen if they carry a knife.

– If your child tells people they have a knife or other weapon, people will likely ask to see it.

– Once a knife is produced things happen fast. There’s no time to think.

– The knife may be taken and used against them.

– Your child might do something in a split-second of fear or anger they regret.

– They might kill or seriously harm someone.

– Most kids never intend to seriously hurt someone in a fight.

• Some young people struggle more than others with the transition to adulthood. Many explore risk-taking and don’t consider the consequences of their actions. Most young people carry a knife because they feel threatened or unsafe, while some do so because they want to look tough or fit in.

• Self defence is not an excuse. Many young people tell themselves it’s okay to carry a knife or weapon because they are carrying it for self defence, and don’t plan to use it. Carrying a knife or weapon for self defence is against the law.

• Your child may be hanging around with an older group. They may recently have been a victim of bullying and you may not know. Signs they feel threatened or unsafe include not enjoying or wanting to attend school or follow their usual routine. Try to monitor your child’s behaviour and talk to them about what is going on at school.

• Remind your child that it’s a serious crime to carry a knife or weapon. If police catch them they will be will be in a lot of trouble. There are big fines, they may be jailed and they will have a criminal record for life. This will affect their future, such as when they apply for jobs or want to travel overseas.

• Research shows that children who are involved in sports and other activities are less likely to engage in anti-social behaviour, so encourage your child to be involved in sport, music, and other group activities

• Monitor your child’s internet and television viewing as depictions of violence and weapon carriage may further fuel their fears, belief of danger and their ongoing behaviour.

• Talk to other parents, or seek help from outside agencies such as your local Community Police Officer.

• Monitor your child:

– By knowing where they are at all times

– Watching for changes in their behaviour

– Knowing who their friends are and who they keep company with

– Keeping an eye out for missing knives from the kitchen or knives in bags or clothing

• Be aware of their behaviour, some warning signs include:

– Money missing

– Increased fascination with weapons and knives, in shops and on websites such as ebay

– Change of friends, particularly to groups with more attitude

– Body language can suggest that they are worried or under threat

• Encourage your child to report any bullying or assault to you, the school or the police.

• Discourage your child from hanging out at railway stations, particularly after dark.

• Be aware of your own behaviour at home. Children are influenced by the behaviours of their role models such as parents and other adults.

• Teach your child to respect and value differences, and encourage them not to bully, gossip or to threaten others health or happiness in any way.

InformatIon for parents

new weapons laws 2010 Knives scar lives

whaT aDvice can i proviDe To mY chilD if TheY are faceD wiTh a person carrYing a Knife?If someone picks an argument or fight, walk away. Not only is it what most people do, it is also the tougher thing to do.

Walking away is actually the best thing to do. They will be safe from serious harm and won’t seriously harm some-one else. If they are confronted by someone with a knife or weapon, the safest thing to do is back away and walk as fast as you can and seek help. Don’t hesitate, call 000 if they feel in danger or feel a situation is getting or has gotten out of hand.

If a fight starts don’t watch or egg others on. A fight with cheering bystanders is generally more dangerous with more serious injuries and consequences. Don’t argue with someone holding a knife and don’t try to take it form them.

Make the decision to never carry a knife or other weapon. It keeps them safer and they won’t do something they will regret. Let them know they can also lead by example and their peers may start choosing not to carry a knife or weapon.

What if they feel in danger? If someone has threatened them or their friends, not to take matters into own hands. There are other ways to be safe. Like backing away and calling the police on 000.

What else can they do? Never take a knife or weapon with them for their own safety. It just puts them at a greater risk. If they have a mate that carries a knife, encourage them to talk to them about the reasons why they shouldn’t. It’s also really important they talk to an adult they trust about any fears, or call the police on 000 if hey feel threatened. Encour-age them to take precautions for their own and others safety by not being alone. And to try to stay in groups where possible.

If they do see trouble starting, feel afraid or if they feel like they need help it does not matter whether it’s something they have or are seeing, then advise them to always call the police on 000. Even if they don’t have any credit, they can still get through. The police are there to help.

Advise your child that if they are stopped and searched by police, they may be fined $1000.00 on the spot for unlawfully carrying a knife.

for further information and advice contact;

Department of Justice www.justice.vic.gov.au/weapons

Live No Fear www.livenofear.com.au

The Line http://www.theline.gov.au/factsheets/bullying or 1800 200 526

Bullying No Way www.bullyingnoway.com.au

Reach Out www.au.reachout.com

Parentline 132289

Victims of Crime 1800 819 817