DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
The Domestic Violence Act #19 of 2007 to a large extent provides greater protection and assistance for victims of domestic violence. It has increased the power of the Court:
By increasing the duration of the orders from 12 months to 3 years
By including provisions for applicants in visiting relationships
By providing for officers of the Women’s Department as
well as experienced and qualified Social Workers to make applications on behalf of victims
To direct a respondent to relinquish to the Police any firearm or other weapon which he/she may have on his possession or and which has been used in domestic violence.
To direct the respondent, applicant, child or any other person to receive professional counselling or therapy.
The sad reality is that domestic violence is a pervasive act in our society which continues to plague and erode the very fabric of our families. Consequently this has adversely affected our society since financial resources have to be allocated to the health care system, support agencies, enforcement agencies, government agencies to provide for education and protection of the victims of domestic violence. While the incidents of domestic violence are prevalent among women and children, men also encounter incidents of domestic violence.