KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange has announced that amendments to the Domestic Violence Act will include a new definition of domestic violence as not only physical, but also psychological, emotional and sexual.

This, the minister explained, will mean that for the first time, men or women who control their partners through threats or by restricting their personal or financial freedom, could face sanctions in the same way as those who are physically violent towards them.

Grange was speaking during her Sectoral Debate in Parliament today.

She said the amendments will also widen the threshold to be met in obtaining protection orders from the Court, to give greater protection to those who need the orders to keep abusers away.

The minister added that the penalty for breach of a protection order will be increased from $10,000 to $1 million.

During her debate, Grange noted that the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the vulnerability of some women and girls.

“On too many occasions, I have had to come to this House to denounce horrific acts of violence against women and girls,” she said.

“We continue to improve our services to victims while working to improve protection mechanisms for the vulnerable and eliminate the violence. Key in the strategy to protect vulnerable women and girls is the strengthening of laws that serve as a deterrent,” she continued.

Stressing that the Government is serious about ending domestic violence, Grange said the Chief Parliamentary Council is preparing the amendments, which she expects to bring to Parliament before the end of this month.