| Jordan: The Lower House on Sunday endorsed the controversial draft laws on economic development zones and domestic violence. | Date: 08-01-2008 |
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The Lower House on Sunday endorsed the controversial draft laws on economic development zones and domestic violence.
The Lower House endorsed the family protection draft law, an attempt by the government to fight growing domestic violence, mainly the abuse of children and women.
Violators of the law face a maximum of six months behind bars as well as financial penalties.
In addition, the bill requires adult family members to report any type of physical or sexual abuse that takes place in their households and allows for the creation of mediation committees to oversee problems that occur within families.
Although the bill seeks to combat violence against women and children, deputies believe the solution is not stringent laws, but awareness campaigns targeting impoverished societies.
The draft also gives authorities the power to detain assailants for 24 hours “in order to protect the victim” and the court has the right to bar assailants from approaching “safe houses” where abuse victims are housed in order to guarantee their personal safety.
Victims can also file for financial compensations in cases of physical harm or psychological abuse under the bill.
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