The present act provides greater protection for victims of domestic violence and to makes provision for the granting of protection orders and for matters connected therewith.

It defines domestic violence as “any controlling or abusive behaviour that harms or may harm the health, safety or well-being of a person or any child and includes but is not limited to the following:
(a) physical abuse or threats of physical abuse; (b) sexual abuse or threats of sexual abuse; (c) emotional, verbal or psychological abuse; (d) economic abuse; (e) intimidation; (f) harassment; (g) stalking; (h) damage to or destruction of property; or (i) entry into the applicant’s residence without consent, where the parties do not share the same residence”. It also defines what behaviours constitute “economic abuse”, “emotional, verbal and psychological abuse”, “harassment”, “intimidation”, “physical abuse”, “sexual abuse” and “stalking”.

The act disposes that the Court may make an order directing a police officer to seize any firearm or dangerous weapon in the possession or under the control of the respondent.