Three new laws, which are set to strengthen efforts to end gender-based violence (GBV) and bolster those that exist to curtail crimes against women and children, were signed into effect on Friday. 

Kerryn Rehse, a research officer at MOSAIC Training, Service & Healing Centre, said the amended Domestic Violence Act will afford victims increased protection from the crime.

“The changes coming into effect through the new act usher in a strengthened protection-order system that removes some of the earlier administrative hurdles and gaps that made it difficult for victims to access protection and justice from the system,” she said...