Central Domestic Violence Register helps judges

Joan Collins THE Central Register for the Protection of Victims of Domestic Violence has recorded a total of 5'558 complaints in the Balearics from August 2003 up to this September. Around 90 percent of these cases were complaints against men for ill treatment. So far in 2006, 1'597 Balearic cases have been incorporated into this database, created in 2004 after the approval of the Protection Against Violence Order in August 2003. In 2005 the Register, which only includes people who have complaints against them, included 1'877 people who had been denounced for domestic violence on the islands, although the largest number was recorded in 2004 (1'934). The Register has also recorded the granting of 3'233 protection orders and temporary measures in the Balearics since its creation two and a half years ago which, in the majority of cases, have been “distance” orders banning the agressor from going anywhere near the victim. Throughout Spain, a total of 175'000 citizens are on the register as perpetrators of domestic violence. The Register is managed by the Spanish Ministry of Justice, and reveals that since 2004 more than 90'000 protection orders have been issued, there have been 70'000 convictions for domestic violence and 35'000 temporary orders for the agressor to keep his distance. This Central Register was created with the objective of improving the information available to judges, public prosecutors and the police to resolve complaints of domestic violence and to collaborate in the protection of the victims. In this database, in addition to all the complaints received and protection orders issued or refused, are included all the personal details of the agressor and the victim, even if the case has not gone to court. The personal details of the people denounced, who will not necessarily be found guilty of domestic violence in court, are taken off the Register after a “not guilty” verdict or when the case is archived. In addition to this, thanks to the existance of the Central Register, judges are able to order temporary urgent measures, such as distance orders, as well as other things, such as the custody of the children. All the courts are obliged to send details of the domestic violence complaints heard to the Register and those of the partners, so that the Central Register can be updated. The Register, which has very restricted access, is the key to getting swift court decisions as it gives the history of violence by the agressor and also information as to whether he has broken distance order or other temporary measures. According to the specialist psychologist Maria del Rocio Gomez Hermoso, men who are violent towards their partners are those criminals who reoffend most easily, with new partners as well, due mainly to cultural preconceptions which are passed from one generation to another.