In Melbourne from January to March 2011 there were more than one hundred and thirty taxi drivers physically assaulted. It is not just the number of attacks on taxi drivers that have increased but also the intensity of the attacks with many drivers sustaining serious injuries. The Victorian Taxi Association spokesperson David Samuel said that many taxi drivers are leaving the industry for fear of being harmed.

The State Government has agreed that more needs to be done to protect taxi drivers, including increased penalties for offenders, and is considering placing taxi drivers in the same category as emergency workers, such as police and paramedics, in respect to sentencing.

When a Taxi Driver is assaulted they are entitled to financial assistance as the result of being a victim of crime. For further information contact Victims of Crime Counselling & Compensation Services on 1800 000 055 or go to www.victimsofcrime.com.au

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