Police increasingly apply ban in domestic violence cases

In 7,460 cases of domestic violence since 2007, police in the Czech Republic banned aggressors from returning home for ten days, with or without agreement from the spouse. The legislation was introduced to protect victims of domestic violence and limit abuse behind closed doors. According to Bílý kruh bezpečí, helping victims of domestic violence, 2013 saw 1,128 bans over the first ten months, compared to a total of 679 in 2008 and a total of 1,405 last year. According to the organisation, police better assess cases than back in 2007, reaching for bans more often to try and aid victims, helping them gain some distance in volatile situations. The legislation was inspired by a similar law in neighbouring Austria.

Author: Jan Velinger