Police want Domestic Violence Act enforced

HEAD of the Gender-Based Violence Unit acting Supt Claire Guy-Alleyne is calling for the Judiciary to enforce sections of the Domestic Violence Act, which allows magistrates to impose hefty fines and jail sentences against people who breach protection orders.

She made the call at a press conference at the Police Administration Building on Tuesday.

She wanted to see the enforcement of section 20 (1) of the act.

"That’s an amendment that increases the penalty on the first instance, where a perpetrator is charged for breach of protection order; that act says, on first conviction, a fine of $50,000 or imprisonment for one year.

“On the second instance, $150,000 and imprisonment for three years…and any subsequent conviction after that, $250,000 and imprisonment for five years.

She said she is yet to see any part of this section being applied to offenders currently before the court.

She emphasised that the police would be happy if this section is enforced.

Guy-Alleyne reported that this year, the Gender-Based Violence Unit has arrested 264 people and charged 345 from January to November 30.

She said the most prevalent charge is the breach of protection orders.

“I know a lot of persons have concerns with the protection order, but it is an important tool for survivors.”

She encouraged the public and her colleagues to believe survivors who report domestic violence.

“If a woman or child discloses an abuse, or any criminal matter to you, we are asking citizens: believe them. Even my colleagues and other police officers who are not attached to the Gender-Based (Violence Unit), I am asking you to believe survivors.”