Family Violence Protection Act to become law on July 1, 2006  

Minister of Justice and Attorney General Tom Marshall announced today that the Family Violence Act which passed in the House of Assembly last fall will become law on July 1, 2006 .  

Minister Marshall said that the Family Violence Act will provide for new justice system responses in the form of Emergency Protection Orders (EPOs) to help adult victims of family violence and their children in emergency situations.  He said the Act provides a broader range of more immediate responses than those available through the Criminal Code, and all criminal justice responses to family violence will remain in place.  �While this legislation will not ultimately solve the problem of family violence in our society, it provides victims of family violence with more options and choice in the justice system,� said Minister Marshall.  �More than 1,000 service providers inside and outside the justice system have recently participated in training sessions on the new law and are ready to assist victims of family violence and their children.�  

Minister Marshall noted a number of stakeholders played a significant role in researching and preparing this legislation and their efforts should be applauded.  �Officials from the Department of Justice, Women�s Policy Office, Provincial Transition House Association, Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women, the John Howard Society and the Violence Prevention Initiative�s Regional Committees (eastern and western) all made solid contributions to developing this piece of legislation. Public consultations throughout the island and in Labrador proved very beneficial as well,� said Minister Marshall.  

Minister Marshall said: �Family violence is a serious matter and government will continue to work with stakeholders to develop better options and more effective tools to help victims of family violence.�  

For more information contact: //www.justice.gov.nl.ca/just/Family violence protection act.htm  

Media Contact:  Billy Hickey, Communications, (709) 729-6985, 691-6390  

2006 06 30                                                        2:20 p.m.