The government is to strengthen the efficacy of restraining orders for domestic violence victims following a string of murders against women who had already filed against abusive partners, Minister of Health and Welfare Chiu Tai-yuan (邱泰源) said today.
Last week, a man was arrested in Yilan County for murdering his ex-girlfriend in Taipei's Xinyi District (信義).
The woman had applied for a restraining order in May and pressed assault charges.
Photo: Chiu Chih-jou, Taipei Times
Meanwhile, last month, a man with a criminal record of domestic abuse allegedly stabbed and murdered his wife and her sister in New Taipei City, despite having a restraining order placed against him.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) is to take a two-step approach: improving safety for victims in the window between applying for a restraining order and being granted one, and improving criminal enforcement to prevent repeat offenses, Chiu said today during a report to the Legislative Yuan's Social Welfare and Environmental Hygiene Committee.
The report detailed how to improve civil protection order protocol under the Domestic Violence Prevention Act (家庭暴力防治法).
The ministry said it would offer emergency shelter and protection services before protection orders are formally issued, and has recommended that the Judicial Yuan consider shortening the wait time between hearings and issuance of orders to better protect victims.
Moreover, those who violate restraining orders or are involved in serious violent offenses should be detained and subjected to additional restrictions in accordance with the law, it said.
Police, health and social welfare agencies would further improve joint risk assessments, data integration and timely intervention for high-risk cases, it added.
Restraining orders are an important tool to protect victims of domestic abuse and their families, including young children, Chiu told a news conference following the meeting.
The MOHW would continue to work with the Judicial Yuan, the Ministry of Justice and the National Police Agency, he said.
Local governments would also be asked to strengthen victim protection mechanisms and make up for any shortcomings of the system, he added.
Research shows that restraining orders are usually 80 percent effective at preventing repeat offenses, the MOHW said.
However, in instances where the perpetrator has a criminal record of violent offenses, mental illness, or a history of coercive or stalking behavior, the risk of repeat offense increases, it added.
This risk is particularly high in cases of divorce, court proceedings, or the time before or after court sentencing, it said.
Additional reporting by CNA
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