Domestic violence protection expanded under Federal Decree-Law No 13

The main legislation is Federal Decree-Law No. 13 of 2024 on the Protection Against Domestic Violence. This law replaced the earlier 2019 law and introduced a wider and more practical protection system. It does not limit domestic violence to physical assault only. It also covers psychological harm, sexual harm, economic harm, threats, neglect and exploitation within a family relationship. The protection under the law applies within the family relationship. This includes spouses, children, relatives by blood or marriage, persons connected through custody, guardianship or legal responsibility, and other family relationships recognized under the law. The law also goes further and places a duty on any person who becomes aware of domestic violence to report it promptly. One of the most important legal remedies under the 2024 law is the restraining order. A restraining order may be issued by the Public Prosecution or by the competent court. The Public Prosecution may issue a restraining order on its own initiative, based on a request from the victim, the Ministry, the competent authority or the social support centre. The request for a restraining order is exempt from court fees.