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 4:  PROCEDURE  ON   PROTECTION  ORDERS

12. When interim protection order may be sought
An interim protection order may be sought pending investigations by the police following an information relating to the commission of the offence involving domestic violence.

13. When protection order may be sought
A protection order may be sought during any criminal proceedings under the Penal Code where the accused is charged with an offence committed under circumstances that falls within the definition of "domestic violence", -

(a) As condition of the accused's release on bail or at any other stage of the proceedings; or

(b) Upon the compounding of such offence under section 260 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

14. Filling in complaints
A complaint pursuant to this Act may be filed in any district where-

(a) The complainant resides;

(b) The offender resides.

(c) The alleged violence occurred; or

(d) The victim is temporarily located,

and shall be heard by the court as soon as practicable.

15.Complaints on behalf of child or incapacitated adult
In the case of a child, or an incapacitated adult who is incapable of filling in a complaint, such a complaint may be filed by a guardian or relative or person responsible for the care of such child or incapacitated adult, as the case may be, or by an enforcement officer.

16. Record of complaints and orders
The registry of the court shall maintain a record of all complaints filed pursuant to this Act, and all protection orders and interim protection orders issued by the court under this Act. The record shall contain-

(a) The names, gender and relationship of the parties;

(b) The domestic violence alleged, whether it involved any weapon, or resulted in personal injuries and whether the injuries inflicted required medical treatment;

(c) The effective date and terms of each order issued.

17. Proof of service of protection order
Within twenty-four hours of the issuance of a protection order or interim protection order, as the case may be, the Registrar of the court in which it is issued shall forward a copy of the order to the officer in charge of the police district where the offender resides. The police officer concerned shall file proof of service with the Registrar of the court within seven days of service.