Law providing tougher punishment for domestic violence comes into force

A law drafted by the Georgian Interior Ministry has come into force today which makes the punishment for certain forms of domestic violence more severe.

The law also reads that should a restraining order be violated, an individual will face criminal charges.

There will be no warnings. If the restraining order is violated, the individual will face a criminal charge,” the ministry says.

A previous record of domestic violence will be regarded as an aggravated circumstance.

Abusing a family member will become punishable by two years in prison instead of the current one year.

The punishment will be more severe if the act of violence is committed in the presence of a minor.

If a murder, injury or inducement to suicide is motivated by gender, the sentence will be higher, the ministry reported.