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A charity which deals with domestic abuse is “delighted” with law changes which sailed through the States this week, saying it'll help to send a message that these behaviours are unacceptable in society.
Homes Affairs won unanimous support for plans to criminalise a new range of behaviours linked to domestic abuse and introduce new protection for individuals and children over the entire Bailiwick in the States this week.
Among the changes are protection notices which could assist victims prior to arrest or criminal proceedings, as well as streamlining the granting of restraining orders if a judge deems doing so would be in the interests of safety.
Those who don’t attempt to stop abuse will also be liable in criminal proceedings, as well as threatening to distribute revenge porn.
Naomi Wood, Head of Service at the charity Safer, said it was “delighted to hear” how strongly the proposals were supported by politicians.
“These changes and updates to our current Laws will not only offer victims, survivors and their children greater protection and wider options in respect of reporting domestic abuse but will also mean that the perpetrators who carry out the abuse can be held to account,” she said.
Home Affairs’ drafting of the new laws took these organisations along the way, “allowing us to share our knowledge and the voices of the victims we hear and what the reality can be for them,” Ms Wood added.
Deputy Sue Aldwell, Home Affairs’ lead on domestic abuse, also floated possible future measures coming forward to build further on the work during debate. Ms Wood said the charity looks forward to further legislation “such as the offence of non-fatal strangulation”.
Pictured: The new laws have been approved and will be drafted before being represented to deputies.
Ms Wood added that the changes “will not only raise awareness around domestic abuse and what this can look like but give a clear message to all in our community that these types of behaviours are not acceptable, and that if you are experiencing this then something can be done and there are options available to you.
“These changes reflect the wider understanding of domestic abuse there now is and the need to have legislation available to protect victims and survivors from it in all its forms, not only physical abuse."
Safer works with other agencies, both public and in the third sector, to support and protect victims of domestic abuse, including children.
Domestic abuse laws to be updated
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