The Bill would remove the requirement to show a course of conduct before a non-harassment order could be granted by either the civil or criminal court, requiring only one incident of harassing behaviour.

The Bill would make legal aid free to all for an application to a civil court for an interdict with a power of arrest, or a non-harassment order where domestic abuse is involved. This will allow all victims of domestic abuse, regardless of economic background, to access the protection afforded by these orders. Victims would no longer have to pay for their own protection.

The Bill would make it a criminal offence to breach an interdict with a power of arrest.

Consultation Questions

Answer the questions below by submitting your answers in the spaces provided.

1. What advantages or problems might arise as a result of removing the course of conduct requirement?

2. What do you see as the main benefits of making it easier to obtain a non-harassment order?

3. What advantages or problems might arise with the removal of means testing?

4. What do you see as the main benefits of removing means testing?

5. What are the advantages and problems that might arise from making it a criminal offence to breach an interdict with a power of arrest?

6. What do you see as the main benefits of making it a criminal offence to breach an interdict with a power of arrest

7. What costs would be associated with all of the proposals contained in this Bill?