If you require immediate police or emergency assistance, please call Triple Zero (000).

If you have any information regarding a crime or suspicious activity, please share what you know online at crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Prefer to speak with someone? Call 1800 333 000 to report a crime over the phone.

Dangers of Carrying a Weapon

Carrying a knife might seem harmless, but it’s essential to recognise the hidden dangers it can bring.

• A knife can provoke or escalate conflicts that might otherwise remain non-violent.

• Carrying a knife can create a false sense of security, encouraging someone to engage in risky behaviour they might not otherwise consider.

• Carrying a knife increases the risk of accidents for the person carrying the knife and others nearby. Knife injuries can cause serious harm or even death.

What the Law Says

Carrying a weapon, like a knife, without a lawful reason is illegal in Victoria.

Examples of knives you cannot carry without a lawful purpose include:

Victims of Crime Helpline:

victimsofcrime.vic.gov.au | 1800 819 817 - Open everyday, 8am-11pm Provides support and information for victims of crime in Victoria.

Legal Aid Victoria:

legalaid.vic.gov.au | 1300 792 387 - Open Monday - Friday, 8am-6pm

Provides legal advice and representation for those who cannot afford a lawyer.

Beyond Blue:

beyondblue.org.au | 1300 224 636 - Open 24/7

Provides information, support, and resources for mental health.

• Swiss army knives

• Box-cutters

• Kitchen knives

• Bayonets

Lifeline:

lifeline.org.au | 13 11 14 - Open 24/7

• For work e.g. you are a chef.

• For recreation e.g. camping or fishing.

• For display e.g. for a museum or gallery.

• For religious reasons e.g. an item of faith like a kirpan.

Crime Stoppers Victoria:

crimestoppersvic.com.au | 1800 333 000 - Open everyday, 7am – 11pm Report crime information online or over the phone, without saying who you are.

Carrying a knife for self-defence is NOT legal.

Victoria Police:

police.vic.gov.au

Provides information about rules related to weapons and how to report incidents.

If you feel pressured to carry a knife, the first thing you can do is talk about the situation with a trusted adult, like a parent, teacher, or coach. If you don’t feel you can talk to these adults, you can reach out to:

Kids Helpline:

kidshelpline.com.au | 1800 55 1800 - Open 24/7

Provides free confidential counselling service available any time of the day or night by phone or webchat.

Youth Support Service:

ysas.org.au | 1800 458 685 - Open Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm

Offers counselling, support, and resources to address various challenges.

Dangers of Carrying a Weapon

What the Law Says

What’s a Lawful Purpose for Carrying a Knife?