Concern over increase in violence

THE growing trend of violence and abuse that is prevalent in families is a concern for the country, national programme coordinator for family and sexual violence action committee Marcia Kalinoe says.
“And one way to deal with it is to enact legislation that enables victims of family violence to seek help from law enforcement and the justice and legal system to deal with perpetrators,” she said. Kalinoe said this last week in response to recent media reports which seemed to question the purpose of having a Family Protection Act.
“The purpose of the Family Protection Act (FPA) is to promote safe, stable and strong families, and to prevent and deter domestic violence and ensure that there is effective legal protection for the victims of domestic violence.” Kalinoe added that the FPA was enacted to protect any family members who were vulnerable to abuse and ensure that the person perpetrating the abuse was held accountable .
“Where abuse is pervasive and persistent, FPA acts as an intervention to help save or protect lives of those who otherwise are vulnerable to attack and are unable to seek help to protect themselves.”
Going as far as the police station and the courts, she said, was usually a last resort for victims who are looking for assistance and help not only for themselves but for the perpetrators who happen to be their family members.
“The onus is on those of us who have the authority to act to ensure that the law serves its purpose,” she said.
“How serious are we? Are we committed enough to our duty and calling to protect the community and especially women and children against family violence?
“The laws have been enacted, the regulation for the FPA have been passed in 2017.
“Training on the FPA is currently being rolled out for law enforcement agencies on the new laws and awareness is continuing into communities.
“The law is for everyone, regardless of gender and complainants should not be discouraged.”