THE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ACT 1994

Part 1  Preliminary
Part 2  Protection Order
Part 3  Compensation and Counselling
Part 4  Procedure on Protection Orders
Part 5  Miscellaneous

PART 3:  COMPENSATION AND COUNSELLING

10. Compensation
(1) Where a victim of domestic violence suffers personal injuries or damage to property or financial loss as a result of the domestic violence, the court hearing a claim for compensation may award such compensation in respect of the injury or damage or loss as it deems just and reasonable.

(2) The court hearing a claim for such compensation may take into account-

(a) the pain and suffering of the victim, and the nature and extent of the physical or mental injury suffered;

(b) the cost of medical treatment for such injuries;

(c) any loss of earnings arising therefrom;

(d) the amount or value of the property taken or destroyed or damaged;

(e) necessary and reasonable expenses incurred by or on behalf of the victim is compelled to separate or be separated from the defendant due to the domestic violence, such as-
(i) lodging expenses to be contributed to a safe place or shelter;
(ii) transport and moving expenses;
(iii) the expenses required in setting up a separate household which, subject to subsection (3), may include amounts representing such housing loan payments or rental payments or part thereof, in respect of the shared residence, as the court considers just and reasonably necessary.

(3) In considering any necessary and reasonable expenses that may be taken into account under subparagraph (2)(e), the court may also take into account-

(a) The financial position of the victim as well as that of the defendant;

(b) The relationship that exist between the parties and the reasonableness of requiring the defendant to make or contribute towards such payments;

(c) The possibility of other proceedings being taken between the parties and the matter being more appropriately dealt with under the relevant laws relating to the financial provision of spouses or former spouses and other dependants.

11. Counselling, etc
(1) The court may, in any proceedings in which a protection order is sought, instead of or in addition to the issuing of the protection order, make one or both of the following orders:

(a) That the parties concerned be referred to a conciliatory body;

(b) That one or more of the parties to the dispute be referred to rehabilitation therapy, psychotherapy or such other suitable reconciliatory counselling.

(2) The court hearing a claim for compensation under section 10 may also make one or both of the orders under paragraph (1)(a) or (b).

(3) When considering any questions relating to the making of an order under subsection (1) the court may, whenever it is practicable, take the advice of social welfare officer or other trained or experienced person.

(4) In this section "conciliatory body" includes bodies providing counselling services set up under the Department of Social Welfare and, in the case where the parties are Muslims, also includes those set up under the Islamic Religious Affairs Department concerned.