The Solomon Islands will today officially launch the Family Protection Act 2014 which is aimed at curbing domestic violence in the country.
A Family Health and Safety Study in 2008 showed that 64% of women and girls in Solomon Islands are victims of domestic violence.
The director of the Women's Development Division in the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children & Family Affairs said the new Act addresses loopholes in existing legislation including definitions for different types of abuse.
Pauline Soaki said extensive training on how to effectively enforce the act was delivered around the country to police, members of the judiciary, health workers and civil society organisations which provide support to victims.
"I think we are all ready to implement the Act we have gone through the trainings and understanding of what the Act is and we are ready."
"And in terms of awareness raising the Ministry of Women Youth Children and Family Affairs we are also ready for that to go out in the provinces to raise the profile of what the Act will do to protect families" she said.
