Mauritius addresses domestic violence and femicide with new Domestic Abuse Bill

Mauritius is preparing to introduce a new Domestic Abuse Bill to replace the current Protection from Domestic Violence Act, aiming to enhance victim protection, prevent violence, and hold perpetrators more accountable. The proposed legislation broadens the definition of domestic violence to include financial deprivation, control, repeated humiliation, threats, social isolation, constant surveillance, emotional manipulation, and psychological pressure, which were previously not explicitly covered. This expansion acknowledges forms of abuse that often leave no visible traces but can severely impact individuals. The bill also seeks to facilitate access to protection orders, improve information sharing among institutions, introduce rehabilitation programs for offenders, and create specific offenses for those who violate court orders. Statistics Mauritius data indicates that women are disproportionately affected by domestic violence, accounting for nearly 80% of victims. In 2023, 650 women were recorded as victims of sexual violence or exploitation, compared to 59 men. Reported rape cases increased from 36 in 2021 to 53 in 2022, with over 92% of sexual violence victims being women. Experts note that sexual and domestic violence remain significantly underreported globally due to fear of retaliation, financial dependence, shame, family pressure, and the fear of not being believed. In a significant move, the Attorney-General’s Office is working on amendments to the Penal Code to expl