Domestic Abuse Bill debates: Karen Foo Kune-Bacha states perpetrators of violence must leave the home

She emphasized that the discussions are about lives, particularly those of women, children, and families affected by these tragedies. Highlighting that 90% of victims are women, she noted that while no law can prevent all femicides, this reform will allow for earlier intervention, more effective protection, and a significant reduction in the risk of violence escalating. Foo Kune-Bacha welcomed the expanded definition of domestic violence to include psychological, economic, digital, and coercive forms, and stressed the recognition of children as full victims, proposing systematic specialized psychological support for minors exposed to such violence.

A key advancement of the bill, according to her, is the introduction of the Exclusion Order, which mandates that the perpetrator, not the victim, must leave the family home. The court can also require the aggressor to provide alternative housing if exclusion from the home is not possible. The Minister Delegate also praised strengthened reporting mechanisms, protection for whistleblowers, accelerated procedures, and improved monitoring of perpetrators.

She concluded by stressing the need for a change in mentality, stating that domestic violence stems from stereotypes and calling for collective action, asserting that victims are owed actions, not just words.