Fidesz votes against DK's proposal to allow abused spouses to immediately request restraining order

At the meeting of the Hungarian Parliament's Justice Committee, the governing Fidesz-KDNP majority voted against all the proposals put forward by the opposition party, Democratic Coalition (DK), including the one on the dissolution of parliament and having early elections, László Sebián-Petrovszki, DK party director said on Tuesday afternoon.

They also voted down the DK's proposal on protecting victims of domestic violence, which states that if someone is abused by their husband, wife or partner,

they should be able to immediately request a restraining order for at least 48 hours, which would increase to 72 hours if a child is involved, and if the abuser breaches the restraining order, they should be detained for 72 hours,"

the DK said in a statement.

The proposal to tighten the Penal Code in cases of aggression against minors which suggested having offences against children included in a separate penal category in the Penal Code was also rejected.

In relation to the case of a Japanese woman murdered by her ex-husband in Budapest recently, government spokesperson Eszter Vitályos said in mid-February that the government would declare zero tolerance on all forms of violence against women, adding that "no cry for help should go unanswered". "This tragedy has highlighted the shortcomings in the system, but I can assure you that the government is not idle. Building on the achievements so far, we will initiate a comprehensive reform to make Hungary a safe home for all women."

The government sees the expansion of sensitivity training for police officers as key, "which is not an option but an obligation" for all law enforcement officers. The goal is to develop a police force that deals with cases of domestic violence with even greater empathy and expertise. "We cannot stand by idly and watch abuse occur until blood is spilled," he stressed.

The government is working on this and is doing its utmost to ensure that no one is left without effective assistance, she stressed at the time. "Domestic violence is not a private matter. Let us say it even louder: there is help for everyone, no one will be left alone," the government spokesperson said.