OVERVIEW OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE LAW

Domestic violence under the act of domestic violence law includes the threat of abuse whether emotional, physical, economic sexual and verbal. The Act also includes actual abuse and harassment by dowry demands, which are unlawful. Economic abuse under domestic violence means deprivation of all or any resource. One of the most fantastic features of the domestic violence law is the woman’s right to secure housing. It also provides the female’s right to reside in a shared household or matrimonial. This right is secured by a resistance order which is passed by an order from the court.

Domestic violence law empowers the court to pass protection orders that prevent the abuser from committing acts of domestic violence. The law provides for appointment of NGO’S and protection officers who are to provide assistance.

Domestic violence law is aimed at providing protection to the female live-in partner and the wife. This is done at the hands of male live-in partner, husbands or even relatives. This domestic violence law extents its protection to females who are living in household such as widows, mothers and sisters.

The domestic violence act seeks to protect those women who have been or currently are in a relationship with the defendant

According to domestic violence law, any respondent constitutes domestic violence if that person;

a) harms or injures the aggrieved person; or

b) makes the life of the victim miserable; or

c) forces the victim to lead an immoral life.

Domestic violence occurs in a cycle of three general stages. In the first stage, the defendant uses words or threats especially humiliation or ridicule. Then the abuser’s rage is experienced through physical violence. In the last stage, the defendant cools off and promises that the violence will never occur. At this last step, the victim will be unwilling to bring the case forward; however there are others that will move forward without even if the victim is not willing. For the repeated domestic violence, the victims will at one given time strike back and harm or kill the abuser. Many men’s organizations have opposed the law, arguing that it might be misused by women.

Domestic violence can also be in form of physical abuse. Physical abuse is not only the hitting but also kicking, shoving, pushing, Pulling and even physical abuse of pets. If you are a parent and your child is being abused, you can file a restraining order on behalf of the child .

Leave a comment