Mauritius - Reporting Cases of Alleged Domestic Violence

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Procedure

Apply In-Person:


There are a number of reporting options available in Mauritius for those who are victims of domestic violence, or who have witnessed or suspect someone is being abused:

Step 1: Report directly to the police:

1. If the applicant is experiencing or witnessing a case of domestic violence, they should call the police emergency number 999.
2. When the applicant calls the police, make sure to provide them with as much information as possible about the alleged incident. This information should include the names of the individuals involved, the exact location of the incident, and any other details that may help the police investigate the case.
3. Also, the applicant should make sure to provide all the necessary documents for a case of domestic violence and the documents can be found under the “Required Documents” section of this page.
4. There is no fee associated with reporting cases of alleged domestic violence in Mauritius.
5. If the applicant is unable to call the police emergency number, they should visit the nearest police station to report a case of domestic violence and provide the officers with all the relevant details about the alleged incident.
6. It is important to remember that the applicant can remain anonymous when reporting a case of domestic violence in Mauritius. However, if they choose to remain anonymous, the applicant may not be able to receive any updates on the investigation or prosecution of the offender.
7. Once their report has been made, a police officer will contact the applicant to discuss the incident further
8. Then the police officer will take the necessary steps to investigate the case and take the necessary legal action.
9. The applicant should also keep a record of any communication they have with the police and provide a copy of the police report to their lawyer.
10. The processing time for reporting cases of alleged domestic violence takes at least a few days for the police to investigate the incident and take the necessary actions. The police may also seek assistance from other agencies, such as social services, to ensure the safety of victims and their families. In more complex cases, the investigation may take longer. 

Step 2: Report to the Family Welfare and Protection Unit (FWPU): 

1. Victims of domestic violence can report their cases to the Ministry of Gender Equality, Child Development, and Family Welfare.
2. The Ministry of Gender Equality, Child Development, and Family Welfare can be reached by calling 139 and 119 or by visiting their offices.
3. When reporting to the FWPU, victims are advised to provide as much information as possible including the name and address of the perpetrator, the dates and times of the incidents, and any other evidence that may be available.
4. The FWPU will assess the situation and take the appropriate action. This may include referring the case for further investigation, providing counseling and support services, or referring the case to the police.
5. The FWPU will begin assessing the case within one to two weeks of receiving the report. In some cases, the assessment may take several months or longer. 

Step 3: Report to a health care provider: 

1. Victims of domestic violence can contact a health care provider such as a hospital or a clinic to report cases of alleged domestic violence.
2. The health care provider will contact the relevant authorities such as the police, social services, and other relevant organizations to act.
3. The Mauritius Legal Aid Clinic can also provide support for victims of domestic violence, including legal advice and referrals to appropriate services.

Step 4: Report to a social services provider: 

1. Victims of domestic violence can contact a social services provider such as a social worker or a counselor to report cases of alleged domestic violence.
2. Then the social services provider will assess the situation and provide the victim with the necessary support, information, and advice.
3. The social services provider will also assess the risk of further harm and take the appropriate actions to protect the victim.
4. The social services provider will document the incident and refer the case to the relevant authorities such as the police and the Mauritius Family Court.
5. The social services provider may also refer the victim for legal advice, and medical attention and provide them with the necessary support and assistance during the legal process.
6. The social services provider will work closely with the relevant authorities to ensure that the victim receives the help they need. 

Step 5: Seek Legal Assistance:

1. If the Victim of domestic violence is looking to take legal action against the perpetrator of domestic violence, they should seek the assistance of a lawyer who specializes in such cases, or Victims of domestic violence can contact the Mauritian Association of Women Lawyers (MAWL) for legal advice and assistance.
2. In Mauritius, there are several organizations that provide free or low-cost legal assistance for those who are victims of domestic violence.
3. A lawyer can help the victims of domestic violence understand their legal rights and can provide advice on how to proceed with their case.

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Required Documents

1. Police Report
2. Medical Report
3. Protection Order
4. Witness Statements
5. Photographs of Injuries
6. Written Statements from the Victim
7. Legal Representation
8. Evidence of Threats
9. Documentation of Financial Abuse
10. Court Records
11. Social Service Records
12. Documentation of Prior Incidents of Domestic Violence.

Office Locations & Contacts

Family Welfare and Protection Unit (FWPU)  Address: 2nd Floor, SILWF Building, Edith Cavell Street, Port Louis Family Counselling: 213-0737 Domestic Violence: 213-0001 / 213-0002 Hotline 139 is operational on a 24/7 basis and is free of charge for reporting of domestic violence cases. Hotline 119 is operational to cater for family related problems Contact link: Contact link

 

Mauritius Police Force   Address: VG5F+JXP, Pamplemousses St, Port Louis, Mauritius Contact number: +230 217 0941 Contact link: Contact link

 

Statistics Mauritius  Address: 1st Floor, LIC Centre, John Kennedy Street, Port Louis, MAURITIUS RFPX+RV Port Louis, Mauritius Telephone number: +230 208 1800 Fax number: +230 211 4150 Email: [email protected] Website: Link Contact link: Contact link Location link: Location link

Eligibility

• Anyone in Mauritius who has experienced or witnessed domestic violence is eligible to report it. This includes family members, neighbors, friends, and any other individuals who may be aware of domestic violence taking place.
• It is important to note that victims of domestic violence may report their own cases or may authorize another person to report it on their behalf.

Fees

• There is no fee associated with reporting cases of alleged domestic violence in Mauritius. The government of Mauritius provides support and resources to victims of domestic violence free of charge.

Validity

• The validity for registration for import of table potatoes in Mauritius is valid for one year from the date of registration.

Documents to Use

Please attach documents that can be used by people. e.g. links

Sample Documents

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Processing Time

• The processing time for reporting cases of alleged domestic violence takes at least a few days for the police to investigate the incident and take the necessary actions.

Related Videos

Videos explaining the procedure or to fill the applications.
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Please remove the '&' inside the tags during implementation.
Website = allocine, blip, dailymotion, facebook, gametrailers, googlevideo, html5, metacafe, myspace, revver,
sevenload, viddler, vimeo, youku, youtube
width = 560, height = 340, Video ID = Can be obtained from the URL of webpage where the video is displayed.
e.g In the following url 'http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0US7oR_t3M' Video ID is 'Y0US7oR_t3M'.

Instructions

• In Mauritius, reporting cases of alleged domestic violence is taken very seriously. The Mauritian government has put in place several initiatives to aid victims of domestic violence.
• The Mauritian government has made it easier to report cases of domestic violence. There are several organizations and services available to aid victims of domestic violence. These include the National Women’s Council, the Mauritius Police Force and the Ministry of Gender Equality, Child Development and Family Welfare.
• Victims of domestic violence can also report their cases to the relevant authorities through hotline number 139. This number is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is anonymous.
• The Mauritian government also provides counselling and psychological support to victims of domestic violence. These services are provided by professionals from the National Women’s Council.
• In addition, the Mauritian government has set up a Domestic Violence Court in Port Louis where victims of domestic violence can file protection orders. The court also hears criminal cases against perpetrators of domestic violence.
• In conclusion, the Mauritian government has taken several steps to ensure that victims of domestic violence can report their cases and receive the necessary support and protection. The government has also established several organizations and services to aid victims of domestic violence.

Required Information

In Mauritius, any person who is aware of an incident of domestic violence should report it immediately to the police. It is important that the following details are provided when reporting an incident of domestic violence:  

• The name, address and contact details of the victim of domestic violence;
  
• The name, address and contact details of the alleged perpetrator;
  
• Details of the incident, including date, time, location;
  
• Names and contact details of any witnesses to the incident;
  
• Details of any injuries sustained by the victim;
  
• Details of any previous incidents
  
• Details of any restraining orders or protection orders in place
  
• Details of any children involved
  
• Details of any other relevant information
  

Need for the Document

The reporting of cases of alleged domestic violence in Mauritius is important for a number of reasons: 

• By reporting cases of domestic violence, victims can receive the help and support they need, and perpetrators can be held accountable for their actions.
• Reporting cases of domestic violence is a way of raising awareness of the issue and can help to reduce the stigma associated with it.
• Reporting cases of domestic violence will help to identify patterns of abuse and inform public policy and services that can better address the issue.
• It is important to ensure that victims of domestic violence are protected and that perpetrators are brought to justice.

Information which might help

• Mauritius has numerous laws in place to protect victims of domestic violence and to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.
• However, if cases of alleged domestic violence are not reported, then these laws cannot be enforced, and the victims of this violence may not receive the justice and protection they deserve.
• Reporting cases of alleged domestic violence in Mauritius is critical to ensure that victims are heard, perpetrators are held accountable, and that the laws are enforced.

Other uses of the Document/Certificate

Please explain what are other uses of obtaining this document/certificate.
e.g. Birth Certificate can be used as proof of identity.

External Links

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Others

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