MALE, the Maldives— A bill outlawing domestic violence in the Maldives has begun to have an impact, nearly one year after it was enacted.

In a recent study, 20 per cent of Maldives women surveyed reported having suffered physical or sexual violence from their intimate partner. To address this violation of human rights, lawmakers enacted the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act, which came into effect in April 2012.

“Before we had legislation to address domestic abuse, victims had no protection or formal mechanism to seek safeguards,” explains Huzaifa Mohammed, a Family Court judge in Male, the capital city. “The passage of the act increased awareness, and victims now know that there is a door open for them to seek protection when it is needed”.

Some women have already crossed that doorstep and asked for support to stop suffering violence in their homes. According to figures provided by the Family Court, 19 women and one man have already sought protection orders.

According to the new law, any acts or forms of domestic violence are unacceptable and intolerable. “The fact that we have a mechanism to protect, support and assist victims of domestic violence gives me immense satisfaction,” says Ms. Mohammed. But further action is needed, she adds. “We still need to create more public awareness of the act, including the rights of the victims and the mechanisms for reporting.”

UNFPA will further support the Government to establish a plan of action to implement the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act, giving special assistance to the Family Protection Authority, the lead institution for enforcing the new law.