Estonian police report fewer repeat domestic violence cases after longer exclusion orders
In Estonia, new rules allowing police to bar abusers from returning home for up to 72 hours have helped reduce repeat domestic violence cases in cases involving longer restrictions, police said. As ERR News reports, the rules took effect in mid-April; previously, the maximum duration of such an order was 12 hours.
Kristi Mäe, deputy director general of Estonia’s Police and Border Guard Board, said exclusion orders have been imposed in 142 cases since the new rules were introduced. In around 20% of them, police set the maximum period of 72 hours, while in another 25% the period was 48 hours. According to her, an analysis of specific cases showed that violence recurred less often after longer orders, especially 72-hour ones.
Risk assessment and assistance
The duration of an order is determined by taking into account previous incidents, the risk of escalation, the presence of children, the condition of the affected person and the availability of assistance. Police also assess whether the person will be able to contact support services, social services, child protection authorities or a court in the coming days.
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According to Mäe, 12-hour orders are still used most often — when the risk of escalation is lower, the incident is not a repeat one, and the affected person can quickly receive assistance. A longer period is intended to give the person time to calm down, receive an initial consultation, learn about legal options and plan protective measures.
Psychological violence and violations of orders
Margot Orupõld, head of the Pärnu Women’s Support Centre, called the extension of the order period a supportive step, as women can make decisions knowing that the abuser is not at home. At the same time, he drew attention to the growth of psychological violence, including constant control within the family. Such cases are more difficult to prove because they are not always accompanied by physical violence or direct evidence.
Police do not yet have detailed information on the number of violations of such orders. According to Mäe, Estonia’s criminal law and criminal procedure currently do not contain provisions that would allow police to punish non-compliance with them. At the same time, law enforcement officers can apply direct coercion and, if the violation continues, impose a coercive payment of up to €9,600.
