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

On April 26 and 27, delegates from ministries, branches and government agencies, together with relevant parties, discussed and provided comments on the Draft Decree detailing a number of articles of the Law on Domestic Violence Prevention and Control 2022 (Law on Domestic Violence Prevention and Control).

The conference was held in Con Dao district, Ba Ria-Vung Tau province and 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 Ba Ria-Vung Tau provincial authorities, 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

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 said: "The Draft Decree regulating a number of articles of the Law on Domestic Violence Prevention and Control 2022 is an important legal document that helps ensure effective implementation of the Law on Domestic Violence Prevention and Control.

Therefore, the consultation conference plays a very meaningful role for the Ministry to complete 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.

Ms. Naomi Kitahara emphasized: “UNFPA is committed to accompanying the Government of Vietnam on the path to ending violence against women and girls.

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

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

At the Conference, many opinions were raised, typically those related to national telephone hotline services on domestic violence prevention and control; contact prohibition and facilities to support victims of violence.

All comments and recommendations raised during this Consultation Conference will be incorporated into the Draft Decree to ensure transparency, feasibility and accessibility, helping to promote effective implementation of the Law on Domestic Violence Prevention and Control.

This draft, compiled by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, consists of 6 chapters and 44 articles. The key issues stipulated in the Draft Decree include the National Hotline for Domestic Violence Prevention and Control, along with regulations on receiving and handling complaints and denunciations about domestic violence; the application and enforcement of contact prohibition measures; and the registration of establishment and operation of facilities to support domestic violence prevention and control.

The draft Decree also provides regulations on the allocation of annual national budgets for domestic violence prevention and control, especially for education and support in changing domestic violence behavior.

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 to protect and support women and girls, especially those experiencing violence.

These are the 24/7 toll-free hotline operated by the Vietnam Farmers' Union and four One-Stop Service Centers called Sunshine House, operated by the Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs and social organizations.

The Sunshine House provides essential support services to women and girls who are and/or are at risk of violence.

To date, the Hotline has received and responded to more than 11,300 calls requesting advice and support for nearly 1,400 women and girls who have suffered violence.

Meanwhile, four Sunshine Houses have provided direct support to nearly 50 survivors of violence who have taken shelter at the house, as well as supporting nearly 150 survivors of violence in the community.

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