Central America & the Caribbean

Decree No. 97-1996 seeks to prevent, punish, and eradicate domestic violence by protecting individuals (particularly women and children) from abuse in the home and providing mechanisms for their support and protection. Article 7 sets out protective measures for victims, including the immediate removal of the aggressor from the household, restraining orders prohibiting contact with the victim, provision of temporary shelter, and access to medical, psychological, and legal support.

Section 13 of the Divorce Act of Saint Lucia provides additional grounds for a marriage to be voidable.

Divorce Act of Saint Lucia, Part 1 Divorce, Section 3 Breakdown of Marriage to be Sole Divorce, Section 4 Proof of Breakdown, Section 5 Restrictions on Petitions for Divorce, Section 9 Opposition to Decree, Section 17 Abolition of Bars

Belize enacted the Domestic Violence Act #19 in 2000 to provide greater protection and assistance to domestic violence victims.  It was enacted in recognition of the pervasive nature of domestic violence in Belize society in order to increase the resources available to deal with domestic violence cases.  The Domestic Violence Act defines domestic violence and governs protective orders, occupation orders, tenancy orders, other orders relating to counselling, the use of furniture and household effects, payment of rent, mortgage, utilities and compensation for any monetary loss due t

The Domestic Violence Act of Trinidad and Tobago provides legal protection to victims of domestic violence, including physical, psychological, and financial abuse. Victims may apply to the court for a protection order if the abuse is occurring, has occurred, or is likely to occur. A protection order can include restrictions on approaching or contacting the victim, entering their residence, or taking their property. It may also require the respondent to leave the home or pay interim financial support.

The Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Domestic Violence Act of 2015 protects individuals from domestic violence, defining it as any physical, sexual, verbal, emotional, or financial abuse, including stalking, intimidation, harassment, or property damage, among people in close relationships, such as spouses, cohabitants, family members, partners, or individuals sharing a household. It establishes a legal framework for safety, including:

Under the Domestic Violence Act of Saint Lucia the act of domestic violence is broadly defined to include both mental and physical harm. Any person who is convicted of the crime of domestic violence is subject to a fine not exceeding ten thousand East Caribbean dollars, imprisonment for up to five years, or both.

An offence under the Domestic Violence Act (the “Act”) is defined as controlling or abusive conduct that harms the health, safety, and well-being of any person or child. Such conduct may include physical, sexual, emotional, psychological, and economic abuse, as well as intimidation and harassment. Romantic relationships, familial relationships, parental responsibility, and cohabitation may be classified as a “domestic relationship” under this Act.

The Domestic Violence Act (“DVA”) was originally enacted in 1996, and was amended in 2004 and 2023. It establishes civil remedies to protect individuals from domestic abuse, including physical, emotional, and threatening conduct. Courts may issue protection orders and occupation orders. Applications may be made by victims, and in the case of children, by parents, guardians, constables, social workers, or other approved representatives.

The Domestic Violence Act (the “DVA”) serves to combat the prevalence of domestic violence in Grenada.