Say What? Russian Parliament Votes to Decriminalize Some Acts of Domestic Violence

Russia’s parliament voted 380-3 on Friday to decriminalize domestic violence in cases where it does not cause ‘substantial bodily harm’ and does not occur more than once a year.

USA Today reports that:

The amendments would decriminalize a first offence of a family violence that does not cause serious harm requiring hospital treatment. Only violence that leads to serious injuries like broken bones or a concussion would remain criminalized.

The law would apply to violence against any family member, including women and children. Abusers, if found guilty would be given a fine or up to 15 days’ administrative arrest, or compulsory community service.

Yulia Gorbunova,  Russian researcher at ‘Human Rights Watch’ said :

“Passage of this law would be a huge step backward for Russia, where victims of domestic violence already face enormous obstacles to getting help or justice.

Contending that beating a relative is a manifestation of ‘family values’ is shameful, Gorbunova said. Victims are the ones who need protection, not the abusers.”

Women’s rights groups have vocally opposed the bill, adding that decriminalizing assaults will only encourage more violence in a country where the rate of assaults in homes are relatively high.

Russian activist Alena Popova, has launched a petition demanding that the parliament pass a completely new law against domestic violence. Already, more than 224,000 people have signed the petition.

Gorbunova, also said:

“The proposed legislation is a massive setback to efforts to eradicate domestic violence, domestically and internationally. Rather  than weakening existing laws, Russia should adopt tougher ones to prevent domestic violence, protect victims, and hold abusers to account.”

Photo Credit: Alexander Zemlianichenko/AP