S.L. 12.35 Art. 20Domestic violence.          Cap. 16.         Cap. 9.

(1) Where the letter filed in accordance with regulation 17 is accompanied by evidence substantiating a case of domestic violence, the Court shall, upon application by either party and after service of the application upon the counterparty with an opportunity to reply, if it deems fit, suspend the mediation procedure and appoint the application for hearing, within four (4) days, in order to take such measures as it deems appropriate, including those under article 37 of the Civil Code and determine whether mediation should continue or be terminated as the case may require:

† Provided that when intentional manipulation of any minor is alleged by either of the parties, the application of the said party shall be notified to the other party, who shall be allowed up to a maximum of ten (10) working days to reply. The Court shall, if it deems it appropriate, appoint the application for hearing within four (4) days to hear the parties. After hearing the parties, the Court may take the appropriate measures, including to suspend the mediation process and, or appoint a Children’s Advocate and, or a support person as a court expert who shall give their recommendations and conclusions to the Court.

*Not yet in force. †Not yet in force.

(2) Where the Court at any stage of the proceedings, finds that the evidence submitted concerning alleged domestic violence or intentional manipulation of the minor, as referred to in sub-regulation

(1), was false or misleading, the Court shall refer the matter to the

Executive Police for investigation, in particular as to whether the offence provided under article 101 of the Criminal Code or any other offence has been committed.