National Victim Assistance Strategy makes changes to courts and wants to remove abusers from home

New legislation included in the National Crime Victims’ Rights Strategy calls for the removal of the abuser from both the home and home. However, according to the newspaper Public, which is promoting the news, it is not yet known how this will be done. Currently, it is the victim who is forced to leave home and turn to social resources for support.

The diploma focuses on the most vulnerable victims such as children, people with disabilities, the elderly and migrants. It is expected that the regime of coexistence between children and young people who are victims of domestic and sexual violence and the aggressor will be reviewed. The law assumes that the interests of the child are always put first when the crime involves the person with parental responsibility.

The list of measures also includes mandatory audio-visual recording to prevent victims from constantly reliving the situation every time they witness it.

For victims with special needs, they must be heard in the presence of a qualified professional.

Regarding the courts, Justice Minister Catarina Sarmento e Castro explains Public that “they must have a certain room (…) Essentially there are two rooms. There’s mirror glass; on the one hand – judges, lawyers; on the other hand, the technician interacts with the child.”

The issue of communication will also be addressed. According to this diary, the “Court Liaison Interpreter Pool,” which exists to improve communication, should be used.

According to the newspaper, a digital application in several languages ​​will also be developed to help communicate and support victims.

Check out the Domestic Violence Radar here.