Domestic Violence Bill to be amended

VICTIMS of domestic violence will soon be able to apply again for temporary barring orders against an abusive partner, after the Government introduced an amendment to the law yesterday.

Justice Minister Michael McDowell said he hoped the changes would become law within the next week.

Introducing the Domestic Violence (Amendment) Bill 2002, he said courts will be able to grant an interim barring order for eight days to an applicant without the defendant having the right to be heard.