An assault on a woman will no longer be a reconcilable offence in the courts under the new Crimes Promulgation.
In the past, men who assaulted their wives, partners or any other female escaped a conviction and a prison sentence after informing the court that they have reconciled with the victim.
However, Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khiayum said this will no longer be the case and a spouse will also be able to give evidence against her partner.
Under the promulgation, there will also be new laws to protect victims of sexual assault and other forms of violence.
Sayed-Khiayum also revealed that lawyers cannot bring up the past sexual history of a rape or sexual assault victim during a trial.
The Crimes Promulgation and the sentence and penalties decree is expected to come into effect from February 2010.
Assault on women no longer reconcilable offence
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