Dear Editor,
Savitrie Raj used the legal system, but was still killed. After the last incident, she returned home from court and met her death. Nothing really changed in the justice and legal system. The legal system with its procedures, apparently has nothing in place to ensure that any man who threatens to kill his family members, whether out on bail or elsewhere, is kept far. The police can apply for protection orders too, if they want.
Haven’t the magistrates been trained to do risk assessments when domestic violence matters come up before them, and to ensure that protection is provided? Did the police refer Savitrie Raj to additional social services? The police press statements should give details of what SOPS they are using at the stations when reports are made. We know that men who threaten to kill their family members often do so. Don’t the magistrates and police also know this?
Sincerely,
Vidyaratha Kissoon
