Court's protective services brought closer to people

SURVIVOURS of domestic violence can now apply online for protection orders against their perpetrators at the Mitchell’s Plain Advice Office in Eastridge, thanks to its partnership with the Mitchell's Plain Magistrate's Court.

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While the online application portal for domestic violence protection orders was piloted at Mitchell’s Plain Magistrate's Court just over two years ago, survivors often submitted applications missing crucial information, which hampered their applications and issuing of protection orders, said Lucille Kennedy, gender-based violence coordinator for Mitchell's Plain Advice Office.

Before the rollout of the online portal, domestic violence survivors had to go to court to apply for protection orders.

Victims can now go to the advice office at 1 Civet Street, Eastridge, where an administrator will help with their online application.

“The application is made online, and once complete, it goes directly to a magistrate.