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Article 24 — Exploitation and Abuse of Vulnerable Persons

  1. In furtherance of the protections guaranteed by Article 34(5) of the Fundamental Laws, this Article criminalises the exploitation, abuse, and violence directed against vulnerable persons.

  2. For the purposes of this Article, "vulnerable persons" includes children, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and any other persons whose circumstances render them particularly susceptible to exploitation or abuse.

  3. Any national who commits any of the following acts against a vulnerable person commits an offence:

    1. Physical abuse.
    2. Psychological abuse or coercive control.
    3. Economic exploitation.
    4. Neglect by a person who owes a duty of care to the vulnerable person.

  4. An offence under this Article is aggravated where the offender holds a position of trust, authority, or dependency over the victim.

  5. An offence under this Article is classified as a grave offence.

  6. A person convicted of an offence under this Article is liable to any combination of the following sanctions, in accordance with Article 10:

    1. A fine of not less than $50,000 and not exceeding $500,000.
    2. Public censure.
    3. Exclusion from State services.
    4. Revocation of any position of trust held by the offender.

  7. A conviction under this Article constitutes a conviction for "exploitation" or "violence" within the meaning of Article 13(4)(d) of the Civil Code and bars the convicted person from appointment as guardian.