Abuse victims will get enhanced protection when the Domestic Violence (Amendment) Ordinance 2008 comes into force August 1.

The Labour & Welfare Bureau said today the amended law extends coverage of molestation between married couples and heterosexual cohabitants, to include former spouses and cohabitants, and immediate and extended family members.

People under 18 years old can apply for an injunction in their own right and against molestation by their parents, siblings, and specified immediate and extended family members. The court can also vary or suspend a pre-existing custody or access order relating to a minor when it grants an exclusion order.

In granting a non-molestation order the court can require the abuser to attend an anti-violence programme to change their attitude and behaviour and prevent recurrence.

The court can also attach an arrest authorisation to an injunction order if the abuser is believed to have caused, or will likely cause, actual bodily harm to the applicant or the minor concerned.

An injunction order and arrest authorisation can be extended up to two years to tie in with the matrimonial and child custody related proceedings.