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{
    "id": 486603,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/486603/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 297,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Mulu",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 1955,
        "legal_name": "Benson Makali Mulu",
        "slug": "benson-makali-mulu"
    },
    "content": "Hon. Speaker, thank you for giving me the chance to add my voice to this Bill. From the word go, I want to say that it is very difficult to support this Bill unless amendments are made. But, at the same time, domestic violence is a reality that we are living with. So, when I look at this Bill, there are some good clauses which need to be supported, before I talk about what I cannot support. The whole idea of shelters or safe houses is good, bearing in mind that we have witnessed domestic violence as hon. Members. At the same time, under Clause 8(3), there is a proposal in this Bill that we need to do much in terms of public education and creating awareness on domestic violence. This is very important because it is going to protect or deter in future a situation where people will engage in domestic violence without considering the disadvantages of it. There is also another clause that is good in this Bill, and it where those who are going to go an extra mile and inform the authorities that certain families are engaging in domestic violence are protected such that they cannot be taken to courts and harassed because they have given the information. That is important. You may realize that your neighbours are suffering but you cannot say so because you do not know whether, after saying it, you will be harassed. Another important clause is the issue of counseling and reconciliation in a situation where domestic violence is evident. We are saying in this Bill that we need to give a chance to counseling and reconciliation where the two are not in agreement. This is the way to go; that other than taking people to court or to shelters, if we can talk to the two parties; the men and women, then it will be easier to resolve those issues. The reason why I am saying this clause is important is because domestic violence has a very negative impact in terms of economic stress to children. It also has very emotional issues to do with children and encouraging counseling and reconciliation will solve this problem. At the same time, I think there are some very bad clauses in this Bill. I want to start with Clause 6 which gives the police a lot of powers such that they can come to your house and harass you without any warrant. I am imaging a situation where we are having an exchange with my wife and the policeman walks into my house and says we are behaving as if we are likely to engage in domestic violence. On the basis of that, they will take me to the cells and you do not know what will happen after that. They can also come and take your wife and tell her: “You are behaving as if you are almost attacking your husband.” They will go with her until the next morning. Those are very dangerous things. So, those are some of the things that must be removed from this Bill. There is also the The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor."
}