New domestic abuse laws coming into force today

Four of five parts of Domestic Abuse Act taking effect

New legislation to tackle domestic abuse on the Isle of Man is coming into force today.

Four of the five parts of the Domestic Abuse Act 2020 have become active as of Wednesday, 4 January.

As a result, new legal powers are being made available to police and courts which will be able to remove a perpetrator from an abusive environment.

Police and courts will also be able to issue what are known as Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPO's) and Domestic Abuse Protection Notices (DAPN's).

DAPN's will be able to be issued on the spot by police if there is an immediate welfare concern, whilst DAPO's can be made by courts to protect victims and survivors of abuse on a longer-term basis.

Part four of the Domestic Abuse Act - known as Prohibition of Cross Examination in Person - won't come into force today, with government previously stating this area requires more work.

Officials currently hope that part of the act can become active from autumn this year.