Czech minister wants to prevent domestic violence

The plan should help not only the victims but also children from the families where domestic violence occurs.

Moreover, the ministry would like to support non-profit organisation helping domestic violence victims, Kocab said today, on the occasion of International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

This year Czech non-profit associations have provided accommodation for 1000 domestic violence victims. A total of 1500 children with their mothers have left for asylum homes, and 10,000 people have sought advice or help over domestic violence in the ten-million Czech Republic.

The number of domestic violence culprits expelled from their homes is lower.

Last year, the police expelled a domestic violence perpetrator in 679 cases.

The plan prepared by Kocab's office is to make the aid to domestic violence victims available more easily. Broad public should be involved in domestic violence prevention.

Violence perpetrators should undergo a psychological therapy, according to the plan.

The associations dealing with domestic violence have complained about insufficient legislation and lack of finances for their work.

Moreover, subsidies for non-profit organisations are to be cut next year.

Kocab promised them help today.

According to the estimates of the Rosa civic association, the costs of redressing problems caused by domestic violence amount up to five billion crowns a year.

The Czech law enabling the police to expel domestic violence perpetrators from home for 10 days has been in effect since January 2007.

Autor: ČTK
www.ctk.cz