Barbados-29th Session, January 2018-Domestic violence

Para 69) Under the Household Mitigation Unit of the Prime Minister’s Office, women and children temporarily accommodated in shelters in refuge from domestic abuse and who require assistance over a 6-month period to regulate their new lives, may apply to for such assistance. Para 71) Whilst there is no single, specific legislation which speaks to violence against women and children, both those groups are protected through the general offences provisions under the Offences against the Person Act (e.g., the provisions thereunder that speak to serious bodily harm); Sexual Offences Act, and its 2016 amendment (e.g., the provisions that treat to rape and sex with a minor); and Domestic Violence (Protection Order) Act which, protects, victims against acts of domestic violence. This latter Act also makes provisions for the definition of domestic violence, counselling or therapy for victims and enrolment of perpetrators into rehabilitative programmes. The Act further prioritises the safety and protection of victims and seeks to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable for the violation of human rights. The fact that the offences acts occurred in the context of a relationship or against a child would be aggravating factors considered in sentencing. Para 74) At the policy level, the Barbados Police Service is guided by the Laws of Barbados with respect to combatting violence and discrimination against women and incorporates a gender-based and human rights approach. There is a victim-centred approach, ensuring that all perpetrators are held accountable for their actions, through the provisions of the relevant laws. The constitutional commitment to protect the human rights of the citizens of the country, represents the State’s proactive obligation to defend women and girls from domestic and sexual violence. Training and sensitisation continue within the Police Service to ensure compliance and a high level of knowledge-based officers’ response. Training is conducted in conjunction with the Regional Police Training Centre. Para 82) Barbados’ statute books currently carry the following pieces of legislation governing violence against children and the administration of justice: … Domestic Violence (Protection Orders) Act was amended in 2016 to give an expanded definition of domestic violence and to expand the category of persons covered by the Act. The Act also defined ‘child’ and ‘child abuse’ for the purposes of the Act. The provisions regarding the protection of children are set out at Section 7(1) (b) of the Act.