PARLIAMENT Wednesday passed the Family protection Bill 2014.
The Bill, when it becomes an Act, prohibits conducts, or threats of such conduct, committed by a person against another person.
This includes physical, sexual, psychological, and economic abuse. These forms of abuse are further defined in the Bill.
It also defines the types of relationships in which domestic violence can occur.
The Bill is a mixture of criminal and civil law.
Whilst it criminalises behaviours relating to domestic violence, it also provides civil remedies to protect victims in ensuring their safety.
The penalty for committing domestic violence is $30,000 or a three-year imprisonment term or both.
The Bill was passed with no amendments.
Meanwhile, Parliament is adjourned until 9:30am on Friday the 27th August 2014.
– Parliament Media
