A Warrant of Arrest may be attached to the PPO or DEO. This power is only given where the violent spouse has physically injured the complainant and or the children and is likely to do so again. Where there is a power of arrest, and the violent spouse disobeys the Order, he/she can be arrested and sent to jail.

Q: How can I apply for a Warrant of Arrest against my husband who has disobeyed a PPO or DEO?

To apply for a Warrant of Arrest, you have to swear or affirm a complaint before a Magistrate listing out exactly how and when your husband has disobeyed the PPO or DEO. A Warrant of Arrest will be issued if the Court is satisfied that your husband is very likely to abuse you again.

Q: What happens when my husband is arrested?

He will be brought before the Court. If after questioning your husband, the Court is convinced that your husband has in fact disobeyed the PPO or DEO, the Court may then put him in prison.

WHAT IF I DO NOT WANT TO SUE MY VIOLENT SPOUSE? IS THERE ANY OTHER WAY WE CAN SOLVE THIS WITHOUT GOING TO COURT?

The fact that the violence is caused by someone in the family or someone you love very dearly does not make it less punishable under the law.

However, it is understandable that going to Court is usually one of the last resorts. Very often, family members blame themselves for the reason the violence was committed.

Counseling is one of the ways family members can seek help. Sometimes, the Court will also send the violent party for counseling.