The Romanian Parliament  recently approved the draft amendment to combat domestic violence. The Chamber of Deputies gave 166 votes for, three votes against and two abstentions, after the draft had already been adopted by the Romanian Senate. The draft law needs to be signed by the President Traian Basescu and published in the Official Gazette before being enforced.

The draft law recognizes domestic violence as all verbal, psychological, physical, sexual, social or spiritual abuse. Victims of domestic violence are entitled to respect of personality, dignity, and private life, and to special protection appropriate to the needs, counseling services, rehabilitation and social reintegration.

Victims of domestic abuse may request a restraining order that enforces removal of the aggressor from their home and a minimum distance of 200 meters from the victim. However, the restraining order cannot exceed two years.

Local and central public administration authorities have to take the necessary measures to prevent domestic violence and to provide information to victims.

Irina Popescu, irina.popescu@romania-insider.com