Joller: Simplified divorce procedure may put domestic violence victims at risk

Social Affairs Minister Karmen Joller believes that Justice Minister Liisa Pakosta's plan to simplify marriage dissolution could endanger domestic violence victims and children. Pakosta herself says her aim is precisely to protect violence victims and that there are no real disagreements between the ministers.

Social Affairs Minister Karmen Joller has raised concerns about Justice Minister Liisa Pakosta's planned divorce procedure reform. In Joller's assessment, a simplified divorce process could harm the most vulnerable, including domestic violence victims and children.

Joller emphasises that while easing the marriage dissolution process may seem reasonable, such changes must ensure that weaker parties are not left unprotected. According to her, victim safety and child welfare are issues that must not be sidelined during the reform.

For her part, Pakosta has explained that the reform's true aim is the opposite-a simplified procedure would help victims escape abusive relationships more quickly and with less trauma. The Justice Minister believes there are no fundamental disagreements between the ministers, and the debate is rather about implementation details.

The dispute between the ministers highlights a broader tension between civil law reform and social protection-how to make the divorce process more flexible while protecting vulnerable parties. Coalition partners will shape the final solution through negotiations.