Naoero has strengthened its laws on domestic violence and offences against police officers, with new measures aimed at protecting victims, preventing intimidation and giving police greater powers to pursue cases.
The Naoero Parliament passed the Nauru Police Force (Amendment) Act 2026 and the Domestic Violence and Family Protection (Amendment) Act 2026 on 20 August 2026.
The changes respond to operational gaps identified in the existing laws, including cases where domestic violence victims are pressured to withdraw complaints and situations where police officers face threats or attacks while carrying out their duties.
The amendments to the Domestic Violence and Family Protection Act 2017 allow police to continue investigating and pursuing domestic violence-related offences based on available evidence, even if a victim withdraws a complaint.
A new subsection requires police to continue investigations where sufficient evidence exists, regardless of whether the victim or complainant decides to withdraw.
The amendments also clarify that any person can report domestic violence.
This allows police to act on reports from witnesses, family members and other concerned people rather than relying solely on a complaint from the victim.
The changes are aimed at addressing situations where victims may face intimidation or coercion to withdraw complaints, which can contribute to under-prosecution and repeat offending.
The Naoero Government said the amendments strengthen police powers to act on evidence and protect victims from coercion.
Naoero has also introduced tougher bail restrictions for people charged with domestic violence-related offences.
Under the new provisions, a person charged with a domestic violence-related offence will generally not be granted bail.
Where bail is considered, it can only be granted in “exceptional circumstances” and after the accused has spent at least two weeks in custody.
The measure is intended to strengthen victim protection and address the risks of intimidation, coercion and repeat offending.
The amendments also remove bail for people charged with causing harm to a police officer or intimidating or threatening a police officer in the execution of the officer’s duties.
Bail cannot be granted for these offences even in exceptional circumstances.
The Naoero Government said police officers are frontline law enforcement personnel and face heightened risks while carrying out their duties.
The tougher provisions are intended to deter attacks and threats against police and protect the administration of justice.
Together, the amendments strengthen Nauru’s response to domestic violence and offences against police by giving authorities greater powers to act on evidence and reducing opportunities for intimidation or interference.
Naoero said the changes are aimed at protecting victims, supporting police in carrying out their duties and ensuring that domestic violence and attacks on law enforcement are treated seriously.
The reforms also reinforce the Government’s commitment to protecting families, upholding justice and strengthening public safety.
