Domestic Violence Law Still Awaits Training Rollout

Legislation passed in 2025 to strengthen protections for domestic violence victims has yet to take effect, as senior justices of the peace are still awaiting mandatory training.

The amendments allow senior justices of the peace to issue ex parte interim protection orders in exceptional circumstances, including long weekends and public holidays. However, the authority cannot be exercised until formal training is conducted.

Attorney General Anthony Sylvestre said the rollout relies on coordination among multiple agencies, as it involves the Justice of the Peace Association, the Police Department, the Attorney General’s Ministry, and the Family Court.

“What has to take place as well is a training exercise where these senior Justices of the Peace, although they are empowered under the law with the power of a magistrate, they clearly have to be further trained,” Sylvestre said.

“We don’t want to just simply rush and empower persons who may not necessarily have sufficient training,” he added. “A balance has to be struck.”

Reports also indicate applicants may face a $50 fee when seeking an interim order. AG Sylvestre said that cost has not been finalised, stating, “This would be done outside of working hours, so all of those logistics—those have to be worked out.”

No date has been announced for when the new powers will take effect.