Summary Offences Act (as amended through 2000)

The Summary Offences Act includes provisions that protect the rights of children and women. Part 1 Section 5 states that assault or battery of a male child under 18 years of age, or of a woman, is an aggravated nature crime and can be punished by up to six months imprisonment rather than the three months proscribed for non-aggravated assault. Part 1 Section 45 states that the husband who refuses or neglects to provide support, by labor or other lawful means, to his wife or child may be deemed an idle and disorderly person and be liable for a fine and/or imprisonment of up to one month.