Many South Africans Domestic still view violence as a private matter but this is a criminal offence, which is punishable by law. Government, through various Departments, has introduced various pieces of legislation to reduce Domestic Violence.
What is Domestic Violence?
According to the Domestic Violence Act No. 116 of 1998 it is:
- any form of abuse which includes physical, sexual, emotional, psychological or economic harassment
- damage to property
- stalking
- entry into a person's property without their consent
- any other abusive or controlling behaviour where such a conduct causes harm or may cause harm to your health, safety, or well being
Support for victims of abuse
There are various specialised/dedicated victim support services and one-stop centres such as:
-
Thuthuzela Care Centres
These centres are mainly based within health facilities that aim to reduce secondary victimisation, improve conviction rates and reduce the cycle time for finalisation of cases. -
Khuseleka One-Stop Centres
These centre provide services for women and children victims of violence such as trauma counselling and psychosocial support, health care, police services, legal assistance, shelter services to name a few. The centres are open 24 hours for service. - SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Units (FCS). The FCS units fight sexual offences against children, person-directed crimes (where the family is involved), illegal removal of children under 12 and electronic media facilitated crime.
For help call: SAPS Crime Stop: 08600 10 111 or Department of Social Development Command Centre: 0800 428 428
If you are being abused you have the right to apply for a protection order at the nearest police station or magistrate's court or lay a criminal charge at the police station and apply for a protection order. A domestic violence protection order is a document issued by the court, which protects the victim from the abuser.
How to get a protection order in terms of the Domestic Violence Act, 1998 (Act no. 116 of 1998)
Who can apply for a protection order?
Any person who has been in a domestic relationship with the respondent.
When is there a domestic relationship between the complainant and the respondent?
Where they are or were married to one another; Where they live or lived together in a relationship in the nature of a marriage, though they are not; Share parental responsibility over a child; Engaged, dating or customary relationship; Blood relatives or related by affinity or adoption; Share or recently shared same residence.
Against whom can a protection order be obtained?
Any person who is or has been in a domestic relationship with a complainant and who has committed or allegedly committed an act of domestic violence against the complainant.
Who has the duty to inform the complainant of their rights in terms of the DVA?
A member of the South African Police Service. (Section 2) Form 1 Regulation 2; Notice to complainant in a case of domestic violence.
Where can a complainant apply for a protection order?
At any Magistrates Court or Family Court established in terms of an Act of Parliament. (Section 4(1) read with section 1 (Section 12) Any court within the area were the complainant permanently resides, carries on business or is employed. Where the respondent resides, carries on business or is employed or any court were the action arose.
Can a complainant be represented by a lawyer when applying for a protection order?
- Yes
- Section 14
With whom must the application for a protection order be lodged at the Magistrates court?
- The Clerk of the court.
- Section 4(7)
Can a minor apply for a protection order without the assistance of a guardian?
- Yes.
- Section 4(4)
When is it allowed for an application for a protection order to be brought outside ordinary court hours or a day not an ordinary court day?
If the court is satisfied that the complainant will suffer undue hardship if the application is not dealt with immediately. Section 4(5)
What documents must be submitted by the complainant when applying for a protection order?
- An application substantially corresponding to Form 2 of Regulation 4 of the DVA regulations ; application for protection order
- Supporting affidavits by persons who have knowledge of the matter.
- Sections 4(6) and (7).
What happens if the court does not issue the interim protection order?
Section 5(4) The court must direct the clerk of the court to cause certified copies of the application and any supporting affidavits to be served on the respondent in the prescribed manner together with the prescribed notice [Form 5 Regulation 7]; calling on the respondent to show cause why a protection order should not be issued.
Issuing of final protection order
Section 6(1) A final protection order will be issued if the respondent does not appear on the return date as set out in the interim protection order or if the respondent does not appear on the return date as set out in the notice when an interim protection order was not granted. Section 6(2) If the respondent appears on the return date as set out in the interim protection order or notice and opposes the issuing of a protection order the court will then proceed to hear the matter A protection order issued by the court must be in the prescribed form either in accordance with Form 6 Regulation 8; or Form 7 Regulation 8.
What happens after a protection order is issued?
Section 6(6) The clerk of the court must forward certified copies of the protection order and warrant of arrest to the police station of the complainants choice.
Issuing of the warrant of arrest
Section 8(1)(a) The warrant of arrest must be authorised and issued in accordance with Form 8 Regulation 9. Whenever a court issues a protection order the court must make an order authorising the issue of a warrant of arrest. The execution of the warrant of arrest is suspended subject to compliance with any prohibition, condition, obligation or order imposed by the court.
Email
Facebook
Twitter
WhatsApp