Councils authorised to combat domestic violence
Previously, no responsibilities under the Domestic Violence Prevention Act have been placed on councils.
By
Aminath Shifleen
Councils have been given legal powers and responsibilities to prevent domestic violence in their jurisdictions.
The 'Delegation of Responsibilities to Councils under the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act' which has now been published in the gazette details the role and responsibilities that the council can play in preventing cases of domestic violence.
According to the gender ministry, the objectives of the regulation include:
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Facilitate the councils to take responsibility for implementing the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act
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To facilitate working as closely as possible with the people to solve the problems of domestic violence in the society
According to the regulations, councils are given this responsibility and powers when the gender minister appoints an agent to do so. There must be an agreement for that.
Responsibilities of the council under the regulations:
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If a case of domestic violence is reported or information is received or observed that a case of domestic violence is occurring in the island, immediately inform the police station established in the island; the police station must be notified through a prescribed form and records must be kept
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Provide assistance in such cases as requested by the police and gender and keep records of it, and maintain relevant statistics and share them with the government as directed by the Minister
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If a victim of violence requests the assistance of the council, facilitate the provision of assistance through the relevant agencies of the gender ministry
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Facilitate the taking of emergency or immediate action in cases of domestic violence through the police of the province or through the relevant agencies of the ministry; this has been handed to the atoll councils
Previously, no responsibilities under the Domestic Violence Prevention Act have been placed on councils. As a result, the council has no legal status to intervene in such matters. This has also been an obstacle to the best investigation of such cases in rural areas.
