Police get new powers to tackle domestic abuse

The government has strengthened measures against domestic violence, enabling police to take stronger emergency action to protect victims.

The steps are designed to address the high rate of domestic violence here compared to other countries, officials said Tuesday.

According to the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, one out of every two households experiences some form of domestic abuse, emotional, economic or physical.

The ratio of women who fall victim to physical abuse is 15 percent, over five times of that of England.

The ministry said that police responding to distress calls will be allowed to enter the scene of domestic abuse to assess victims on their own and administer medical care if necessary.

The measure, expected to be enacted next month, will also enable victims to request a protective order directly from the court, separately from the investigation process, which will restrain the abuser from further harassing the victim.

By Robert Lee (robert@heraldcorp.com)