The Solomon Islands Parliament has unanimously passed a bill aimed at protecting victims of domestic violence.
Solomon Islands is rated as one of the worst countries in terms of gender-based violence, with a 2007 study revealing about two out of every three women had faced some form of violence from an intimate partner.
Among other things, the bill brings in more severe penalties for perpetrators as well as better protection and support for victims.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Youth and Children's Affairs, Ethel Sigimanu, says the bill is a major step forward for the Solomons in terms of acknowledging the problem.
"The work let me say has just begun. The bill's implementation is very crucial in terms of how effective it will be and how this nation will benefit from the Family Protection Act."
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Youth and Children's Affairs, Ethel Sigimanu.
