President Dr Mohamed Waheed has today ratified the Prevention of Domestic Violence Bill, which was passed by the People’s Majlis on 9 April. Following ratification, the bill has been published in the Government Gazette.
The Prevention of Domestic Violence Act defines domestic violence as violence against a person by any other person with whom that person is, or has been, in a domestic relationship.
The Act provides for the protection of victims of domestic violence and seeks to punish the perpetrators of such crimes.
Some of the objectives which the Act seeks to achieve include:
- to declare all acts of domestic violence as a punishable crime
- give protection and safety to victims of domestic violence
- give cost-effective, due and timely justice to victims of domestic violence
- conduct programmes for victims of domestic violence
- take all necessary steps to prevent domestic violence and to rehabilitate perpetrators
- facilitate the implementation of court orders and orders from other law enforcement authorities to prevent domestic violence
A Family Protection Authority has been formed under the Act. The Authority shall function under the supervision of a 7 member board.
Speaking after ratification of the Bill, President Waheed announced that he would soon appoint members to the board.
