Seeking comments to improve the legal framework for a number of articles of the Law on Prevention and Control of Domestic Violence

On April 26th and 27th, delegates from ministries, government agencies, and relevant stakeholders discussed and provided feedback on the Draft Decree detailing some provisions of the Law on Prevention and Control of Domestic Violence 2022 (Law on Prevention and Control of Domestic Violence).

The conference was held in Con Dao district, Ba Ria-Vung Tau province, and was co-chaired by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Vietnam.

Attending the conference were representatives from government agencies and the Ba Ria-Vung Tau provincial government, along with representatives from international organizations and social organizations.

Lấy ý kiến góp ý nhằm hoàn thiện khung pháp lý cho một số điều của Luật Phòng, chống bạo lực gia đình

A view of the conference held in Con Dao. (Source: Organizing Committee)

Speaking at the conference, Mr. Khuat Van Quy, Deputy Director of the Family Department, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, stated: "The draft Decree stipulating some provisions of the 2022 Law on Prevention and Control of Domestic Violence is an important legal document that helps ensure the effective implementation of the Law on Prevention and Control of Domestic Violence."

Therefore, this consultation meeting plays a very significant role for the Ministry in perfecting this important legal framework.”

In her opening remarks, UNFPA Representative in Vietnam Naomi Kitahara emphasized that a rights-based and gender-sensitive approach should be applied throughout the drafting process of the Decree to protect the rights of victims of violence as well as the responsibilities and obligations of perpetrators of violence.

Naomi Kitahara emphasized: “UNFPA is committed to working alongside the Vietnamese Government on the path to ending violence against women and girls.”

We aspire to ensure that all women and girls in Vietnam, including the most vulnerable, have the right to live a life free from violence and with respect, so that no one is left behind in the country's sustainable development."

Naomi Kitahara, Head of UNFPA in Vietnam, speaks at the Conference. (Source: Organizing Committee)

At the conference, many ideas were discussed, notably those related to national hotline services for preventing and combating domestic violence; contact prohibition; and facilities to support victims of violence.

All comments and recommendations raised during this consultation meeting will be incorporated into the draft decree to ensure transparency, feasibility, and accessibility, thereby promoting the effective implementation of the law on prevention and control of domestic violence.

This draft, compiled by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, consists of 6 chapters and 44 articles. Key issues stipulated in the draft Decree include a national hotline for preventing and combating domestic violence, along with regulations on receiving and processing complaints and denunciations of domestic violence; the application and enforcement of restraining orders; and the registration, establishment, and operation of facilities assisting in the prevention and combating of domestic violence.

The draft Decree also includes regulations on the allocation of annual national budget for the prevention and control of domestic violence, especially for education and support in changing violent behaviors within the family.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will submit the draft Decree to the Prime Minister for approval in May 2023.

UNFPA has provided financial and technical support to establish and operate two models for the protection and support of women and girls, especially victims of violence.

These include a free 24/7 hotline operated by the Vietnam Farmers' Association and four One-Stop Service Centers called "Sunshine Houses," operated by the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs and social organizations.

The Sunshine House functions to provide essential support services to women and girls who are experiencing or are at risk of violence.

To date, the hotline has received and reached out to over 11,300 calls requesting advice and support for nearly 1,400 women and girls who have experienced violence.

Meanwhile, the four Sunshine Houses have provided direct support to nearly 50 victims of violence seeking temporary shelter at the homes, as well as support to nearly 150 victims of violence in the community.

Source