The following elements should be established as the core elements of any domestic violence law:

• Criminalization of acts of domestic violence;
• A fully developed order for protection civil remedy, including an emergency or ex parte order for protection;
• Prohibition of perpetrators from possessing a firearm; 
• Allowing courts, in protection orders, to at least temporarily order child custody and support to the non-violent parent, and one allowing courts to enter a protection order as to the child;
• Statements of rights of complainant/survivors and services available to them;
• Provisions on implementation of the law, including training of relevant professionals, monitoring and evaluation of the law, and funding of the implementation of the law;
• A criminal offense for violation of the order for protection with a cross-reference to any relevant provisions of the criminal laws, such as punishment for various level of offenses;
• Enhanced penalties for multiple violations of the order for protection; and
• Enhanced penalties for other domestic violence-related criminal offenses.
• Establishment of inter-agency task force to ensure a coordinated community response to domestic violence.

(See: Drafting Domestic Violence Laws, StopVAW, The Advocates for Human Rights)