Russia's constitutional court on Friday ordered lawmakers to strengthen legislation punishing repeat domestic violence offenders, ruling that the penalties and the protections for victims were insufficient. The court said in a statement that the law "does not comply with the constitution" and ordered lawmakers to make amendments to the criminal code. It also ruled that a compensatory mechanism for domestic violence victims should be established until the revised legislation comes into force. Russia in 2017 decriminalised certain forms of domestic violence, classifying them as an administrative offence and not a crime. Even in the event of repeat violations, penalties for the offence were generally limited to fines. "The legislator should not have ignored previous convictions for this offence since they are evidence of an increased danger to the public and indicates a pattern of the offender's behaviour and a tendency to resolve conflicts through violence," the court said. Its ruling follows an appeal filed by a Russian woman who was "systematically" beaten by her brother who despite being found guilty of committing multiple offences was subjected to only 100 hours of community service in 2019. Decisions issued by Russia's consitutional court are above federal law and are not subject to appeal. For years Russian activists have lobbied for a specialised law against domestic violence that would allow for preventative mechanisms like restraining orders and provide protection for victims. Efforts have so far fallen short and have been met with opposition from Russia's conservative groups. acl/emg/wdb