Domestic Violence Protection Orders Act strengthened

AS the tragedy of a recent incident of domestic violence continues to unfold in the public sphere, one Government Minister has reminded Barbadians of the amendments which have strengthened the Domestic Violence Protection Orders Act.

Minister of Social Care, Constituency Empowerment and Community Development, the Hon. Steven Blackett, highlighted this during his recent St. Michael Central Democratic Labour Party (DLP) branch luncheon on Sunday. Speaking about a number of pieces of legislation entered and passed by the DLP, Minister Blackett reinforced the significance of the Domestic Violence Protection Orders Act and its impact on future incidences.

“What we did at that time was broadened the definition of domestic violence. The interpretation of domestic violence was extremely confined; we broadened it so that it recovered several things outside of the scope of the definition of the old piece of legislation. We widened the police powers; the police had limited powers under the old legislation, now they have wide and sweeping powers to intervene in cases where they suspect domestic violence is occurring,” said Minister Blackett.

He also added that law enforcement, even without the complainant lodging a complaint, can enter the home or environment in which the perpetrator is located and arrest the person. Other areas highlighted in the Act were increased penalties faced if the offenders are found guilty in the law courts and the inclusion of children. (KB)