BILL LOOKS AT 3 YEARS IMPRISONMENT FOR FAMILY VIOLENCE
A poster from the 16 Days of Activism Against Domestic Violence. Photo credit: The Pixel Project.
Domestic violence offenders including perpetrators breaching the new Police Safety Notices and Family Protection Orders face a three years imprisonment term or $30,000 fine.
Introducing the ‘Family Protection Bill 2014’ in parliament yesterday, Minister for Justice and Legal Affairs, Commins Mewa says the Bill does not only seek to introduce a new set of law but will make sure that those breaking the law must be equally penalised.
“The penalty is a maximum of three years imprisonment or a fine of 30,000 penalty units, which is $30,000.”
Minister Mewa says, part 2 of the bill provides for ‘Police Safety Notices’ – a proactive provision allowing Police Officers to serve and order- the prevention of violent behaviour from occurring.
He explains, breach of the notice is a criminal offence.
Minister Mewa says, the Family Protection Bill 2014 demonstrates NCRA’s policy commitment to stamping out violence in the country.