Law on Protection from Domestic Violence 2017

Brief Description

The Law on the Protection from Domestic Violence was enacted in 2017. It deals with the loopholes of the Law of 2008. It includes reform provisions aimed at preserving the family structure and its interdependence. It expands the scope of persons covered by the concept of family. Health, education or social service providers in the public and private sectors must report any case of domestic violence against young persons, persons lacking legal capacity or persons with reduced legal capacity when they become aware of it or are informed of it. To raise the percentage of disclosure, reporting must be done with the consent of the victim who has full legal capacity when the act against him/her is a misdemeanour. The informants and witnesses are protected. It empowers the Department of Family Protection to settle disputes in cases of domestic violence in misdemeanours, subject to the agreement of both parties. The settlement is limited to the criminal act and the complaint relating to it. A new electronic and paper record has been created to document cases of domestic violence and the measures taken against them. Under article 6 of the Law, the Ministry of Social Development’s Family Section (Family Protection Department) must ensure that the survivor is offered the provision of medical services and shelter. The law stipulates that the court can add other measures deemed necessary for the protection of the survivor and her dependents (article 16). Additionally, the Law also stipulates that violence must be reported if the act is committed against a child.