Domestic violence, law amended after 11 years to give more protection to victims

Domestic violence, law amended after 11 years to give more protection to victims

After 11 years, the laws on domestic violence will change. The amendments have been proposed by the Minister of Social Protection, by the Minister of Justice and relevant interest groups. The organizations which defend women's rights appreciate the initiative, though continue to express skepticism regarding the actual implementation of the law. 

The amendments predict that the order of protection for victims of domestic violence be issued immediately within 15 days of the denunciation. The order of protection will be a final decision and the violator will not have the right to appeal the decision. 

The amendments of the law also predict the violator will not be able to gain custody of any children. Victims of domestic violence will also benefit from legal assistance free of charge offered by the National Chamber of Advocacy and the State Aid Commission. But, Sevim Arbana, the director of the organization "For the benefit of Albanian women" expressed uncertainty regarding the application of the amendments. Another amendment on the law of 2006 has been proposed regarding shelter. 

The law obligates the social service of the central and local power to take immediate measures to shelter victims of domestic violence into social residences.

EMISIONET