Basseterre, St. Kitts (January 26, 2005): A new avenue of relief is now available at the Ministry of Gender to the victims of domestic violence.
Director of Gender Affairs Ingrid Charles Gumbs said that fourteen forms have been designed to be filled out by victims of domestic violence without having to see a lawyer and pay fees which usually start at $500 for consultation and filing of the case.
The person who feels that they have been violated can now go to the Gender Affairs Ministry to express their need at which time they will be advised of the appropriate form to be completed to help assist in the relief process.
Mrs Ingrid Charles said in the forward looking process, the Domestic Violence Act speaks to a Family Court but in the absence of that court matters arising out of the reports will be dealt with in the high court until that Family Court is set up.
The forms seek to address the different needs of victims in relation to the level of cruelty and the specific act involved.
The Forms include: Application for Injunction or Protection; An Injunction Protection Order; an Application for Occupation or Interim Occupation Order; an Application For Tenancy; an Application to Revest Tenancy; an Affidavit for use in Proving Service or Process as well as a Domestic Violence Police Report.
Mrs Charles-Gumbs explained that the forms would assist greatly by giving the victims of domestic violence greater leverage in addressing their problems. She said this is especially good for those who would not have the finances required for such a case.
An example of one such form reads: I Jane Doe of Frigate Point, hereby apply under section 6(1)8(1) of the Domestic Violence Act 2000 for an injunction/protection Order to be made by the Court against John Doe who is my spouse and who resides at Frigate Point in respect of the following conduct. (Specify dates times and details of alleged conduct).
Signed Jane Doe this 26th Day of January 2005.
A limited number of copies of the Statutory Rules and Orders No. 16 of 2004 which exhibits all the forms is available for sale at the St. Kitts and Nevis Information Service, Government Headquarters.
