Protection order violators can be arrested

The Commission for Gender Equality has urged South Africans to report cases of gender-based violence.

Commission Spokesperson Javu Baloyi said if women feel threatened in any way they should report to the police and apply for a protection order.

According to the South African Police Service a protection order will prevent the respondent from committing any specified act of domestic violence or sexual harassment; entering the joint residence or a specific part of the residence; entering the victim’s residence if they are not living together; entering the victim’s place of employment or office and having contact with a child or children if it is in the best interest of the child.

 If a respondent contravenes any protection order, he or she can be arrested. 

How to apply for a protection order

The complainant must make an affidavit and complete an application form at a police station.

• Supporting affidavits by persons who have knowledge of the matter in question may accompany the application.
• The documents must be handed to the clerk of the nearest court.
• The application for a protection order is not limited to the complainant.  Any person who has an interest in the well-being of the complainant may also apply.

Cases of abuse can be reported at the nearest police station and gender discrimination can be reported to the Commission for Gender Equality at 0800 007 709.