If the court has issued a protection order against violence and the perpetrator has violated this order, he or she may become criminally responsible.
Since the court order on protection ensures the safety of the victim, a violation of the order is defined as a criminal offence. As a result, criminal proceedings shall be initiated and the perpetrator shall be called to responsibility.
Criminal responsibility & Human rights
The right to life, the prohibition of inhumane or degrading treatment and the right to private and family life
Conducting effective criminal proceedings and calling perpetrators of domestic violence to criminal responsibility is an essential remedy of the State in protecting the rights of victims and to prevent human rights violations. If the pertinent authorities fail to protect the victim by effectively investigating, charging, trying and, if appropriate, convicting the perpetrator, it may result in a violation of the right to life, the prohibition of inhumane or degrading treatment and the right to private and family life.
Prohibition of discrimination
Domestic violence is considered to be a form of discrimination against women, as it affects mainly women. If the State (in this case – the pertinent authorities) fails to conduct effective criminal proceedings and call the perpetrator to responsibility, it may result in a violation of the prohibition of discrimination in conjunction with a violation of the right to life, the prohibition of inhumane or degrading treatment, and the right to private and family life.
Right to a fair trial
If the victims of domestic violence have been recognized as victims in criminal proceedings, they have a number of rights pertinent to a fair trial. For example, under certain circumstances, they have the right to free legal aid. If the failure of the State to ensure those fair trial guarantees towards the victims has resulted in an unfair process for the victims, it may lead to the violation of the right to a fair trial.
About this section
This section of the Guide will explain the types of crimes that may be committed by violating the court order on temporary protection and how to invoke the responsibility of the perpetrator.