A public consultation was launched this week on plans to modernise the island’s approach to criminal justice - including new powers to tackle domestic violence.

The Department of Home Affairs is inviting comments on three draft Bills.

These are the Criminal Justice, Police and Courts (Amendment) Bill, the Diversion of Offenders and Domestic Abuse Bill and Council of Ministers (Amendment) Bill.

The Bills represent the first in a series aimed at updating Manx law in response to the Criminal Justice Strategy.

One of the core objectives of the strategy is to see fewer people entering the criminal justice system, reducing the number going through the courts and of reoffending, and providing an effective service to victims.

Wider use of cautions, anti-social behaviour orders and immediate financial penalties are included in the Diversion of Offenders and Domestic Abuse Bill.

The second part of the Bill addresses domestic abuse, including giving police additional powers to address issues of immediate threat by using domestic violence prevention orders.

Public feedback is being sought on these proposals as well as definitions around coercive and controlling behaviour and whether guidance issued by the DHA should be taken into account by a court when trying or sentencing a domestic abuse case.

The Criminal Justice, Police and Courts (Amendment) Bill makes provision for the use of live video links in the sentencing of offenders, offers police the power to grant bail with certain conditions attached and covers the issue of unpaid fixed penalty notices. The Bill also seeks to place the Criminal Justice Board on a statutory footing.

Proposals contained within the Council of Ministers (Amendment) Bill place the Council of Ministers’ role in upholding the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law on a statutory basis.

Home Affairs Minister Bill Malarkey MHK said: ’Modernising the criminal justice system is a firm commitment of the current administration.

’It’s appropriate at this point to pay tribute to the work of charities and agencies in respect of the legislation relating to domestic abuse - the Women’s Refuge has played a key role in supporting victims over nearly three decades.

’I am grateful for the work undertaken by Victim Support and recognise how 3S has contributed and helped raise the profile of domestic abuse more recently.’

He added: ’Consultation plays an important role in developing Bills and I encourage residents to engage with the process.’

The public consultation can be found by visiting the government’s consultation hub.

It will run for eight weeks and concludes on August 20.