The Government has taken the following steps to protect you against abuse:
The Domestic Violence Act
The Domestic Violence Act aims to provide assistance to victims of domestic violence and to prevent any further acts of violence against them. The SAPS and courts are obligated to provide their services to uphold the act.
The following are considered to be domestic violence:
- Physical, sexual, emotional, verbal and psychological abuse
- Intimidation or harassment
- Stalking
- Damage to property
- Entering the home without the complainant’s permission
- Any other abusive, controlling behavior
Protection orders
If you are being abused, you can apply for a protection order to protect you from further abuse.
Who does a protection order protect?
- Married, divorced or separated individuals
- Individuals living together (including gay or lesbian couples)
- Parents of a child
- Family members (including the extended family)
- Individuals who are dating
- Children
How will a protection order protect me?
A protection order can tell the abuser:
- To stop abusing you and to tell other to not abuse you
- Not to enter the family home or your workplace
- To pay rent or provide money for household expenses
- To stop contact with a child
A protection order can tell the police to:
- Take away the abusers guns or other dangerous weapons
- Provide an escort to fetch your things
Applying for a protection order
- You can apply for an order at a court either where you or the abuser lives or works, or where the abuse happened
- You can apply during ordinary court hours, after hours or over weekends
You are not alone in this fight against gender violence. Any of our LifeLine counselors will be able to help in giving you information on your legal rights and answer any questions you may have.