Changes to domestic violence law to take effect on January 22
Vanassa McKenzie / Our Today
Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange says the recent amendments of the Domestic Violence (Amendment) Act, 2023 are set to come into effect on Monday, January 22.
Grange, who made the announcement in Parliament on Tuesday, January 16, said the governor general has already given assent for the revised act that will offer greater protection for victims of domestic violence.
The Senate approved last December the amendment to provide for increased penalties for breach of Protection Orders from J$10,000 to a maximum of J$1 million, and a sentence of up to one year in prison.
Other amendments include more categories of persons who can make an application for Protection Order, including the spouse or parent of an individual in respect of whom the conduct has been made or is likely to be made.
“This government and, indeed, the whole House, has demonstrated its commitment to preventing and punishing acts of domestic violence through the passage of these important amendments which will, among other things allow the court to issue Protection Orders and impose a penalty of up to
J$1 million for breach of a Protection Order, up from a maximum of J$10,000; and a sentence of up to one year in prison,” Grange said.
She added that the Protection Orders are intended to guard against an array of potential harm, ranging from harassment to property damage and noted that the time has come to apply a more appropriate penalty that will serve as a deterrent to this crime.
The Children’s Advocate will also now be able to apply for a Protection Order where the alleged conduct is threatened against a child.
Likewise, the amended legislation will allow the minister of gender affairs to flexibly amend the monetary policy.
“Madam Speaker, let the word go from this place that we are serious about dealing with domestic abuse. A new day has come for protecting victims and increasing the punishment for perpetrators of domestic abuse. Domestic abuse is not inevitable it doesn’t have to happen. There is no excuse for abuse. And we can end the abuse. The amendment of our legislation is part of our effort to end the abuse,” Grange said.
The minister said she is looking forward to deliberations of the joint select committee that will review the Domestic Violence Act to strengthen the protection for victims and dealing appropriately with perpetrators.
She also urged individuals who may be victims of domestic violence to utilise the support programme provided by her ministry.
Last November, the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport launched the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Helpline and Sexual Harassment Investigation Unit to offer support to victims of gender-based violence.
Up to November last year, the unit dealt with 7,466 cases, 5,227 of which were from females and 2,239 from males.
Women can contact the GBV Helpline at 876-553-0372 and 876-236-1713 and men at 876-553-0387.
Comments