Plan to make domestic abuse law tougher
COERCIVE and controlling behaviour will become part of the domestic abuse law, if the States approves changes being proposed by Home Affairs.
If members accept, these will be added to the island’s definition of what constitutes abuse, which will also cover physical, sexual and economic abuse, violence, threats, intimidation, harassment, neglect and degrading treatment.
The strengthened law is described as providing better protection for victims and an effective response to perpetrators, with new offences being created as well as new protective measures.
‘Historically domestic abuse was looked at through the prism of violence, and as abhorrent as domestic violence is, it has been recognised that domestic abuse can take many forms, such as coercion, control, intimidation, and they can result in significant harm to victims,’ said committee president Deputy Rob Prow.
‘We need legislation that matches our improved understanding of the impact of domestic abuse and our committee hopes the States agrees.’
Home Affairs’ lead on domestic abuse, Deputy Sue Aldwell, said the changes were long overdue and would make a real difference to the lives of many people. She thanked the Law Officers for pulling together the proposals.
‘This is just the start of positive change in this area and with the support of the committee I will continue to champion change that will support one of the most vulnerable groups in our community,’ she said.
The changes, if approved, will also bring in measures to protect victims of domestic abuse and their families, as well as reducing the risk of repeat offending and bring in new preventative and protective civil orders.
Laws relating to child abuse will also be brought up to date and will include, for example, a new offence relating to child cruelty and neglect incorporating non-violent forms of abuse and including the impact of domestic abuse on children.
It will also become an offence to threaten to share or distribute private sexual photographs or video of another person.
The law surrounding restraining orders could also change to allow for one to be imposed even if a defendant is acquitted of an offence.
