In sentencing for defensive homicide (or analogous offences) committed in a family violence context, excessive violence inflicted by the offender should be understood through the lens of the sustained family violence experienced, not treated as an aggravating factor increasing offence gravity. The innocence of the victim is not an aggravating factor where the case has the hallmarks of duress. Sentencing discounts for cooperation with authorities should not be reduced merely because the information did not lead to prosecution, provided the disclosure was full and frank. Expert evidence on family violence dynamics should be available to sentencing judges in all cases where family violence provides relevant context.
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