Background and Overview Domestic violence
6.The Act contains provisions to implement a recommendation from the Together We Can End Violence Against Women and Girls consultation published in March 2009. The provisions provide the police with the power to issue an alleged perpetrator of an offence relating to domestic violence with a Domestic Violence Protection Notice, requiring the perpetrator to vacate the premises of the victim and not to contact the victim. The Notice must be heard by a magistrates’ court within 48 hours, whereupon a Domestic Violence Protection Order can be made, lasting for up to 28 days.