Domestic violence is normally thought to be only physical, but what constitutes the act varies.
According to the Edenvale SAPS’ acting communications spokesperson, Warrant Officer Jean Olckers, domestic violence can be described as physical abuse, verbal and psychological abuse, sexual abuse, economic abuse, stalking, damage to property, unauthorised entry to the victim’s property, harassment as well as any other form of controlling behaviour towards the victim that endangers the safety or well-being of the victim.
“Domestic violence may also occur between people who are, or were, in a domestic relationship,” said W/O Olckers.
The following information provided by the SAPS may assist in understanding domestic violence better.
What is a domestic relationship:
A domestic relationship refers to a relationship between the complainant (victim) and the respondent (perpetrator of the domestic violence) where they –
- Are or were married to each other in terms of any law, custom or religion.
- Live or have lived together in a relationship as husband and wife (the same or opposite sex).
- Are the parents of a child or share, or shared, responsibility for the child.
- Are family members related by marriage, blood or adoption.
- Are or were engaged to each other, dating or in a customary relationship, including an actual or perceived romantic, intimate or sexual relationship of any duration.
- Share or recently shared the same residence.
Domestic violence and examples:
- Physical abuse – slapping, biting, kicking, assault and threats to cause physical violence.
- Emotional and psychological abuse – insults, name calling, humiliation, and invasion of privacy.
- Economic abuse – if a respondent withholds money to which the victim is legally entitled to in an unreasonable manner by refusing to pay or share the rent or mortgage bond for a home you share or disposing of household goods in which you have an interest, without your permission.
- Stalking – repeatedly following the victim or approaching him or her and demanding to talk to them.
- Damage to property – breaking furniture and deflating the tyres of the victim’s vehicle.
- Unauthorised entry into the victim’s residence – entering the house of an ex-girlfriend without her consent.
- Intimidation – written or verbal death threats which induces fear.
- Harassment – making repeated, unwanted phone calls to the victim, repeatedly watching a person as well as loitering at places the victim is.
W/O Olckers said there are options available for victims of domestic violence.
These include having the right to lay a charge, if the conduct of the perpetrator constitutes an offence. He said the victims are also allowed to apply for a protection order at the nearest Magistrate’s Court or lay a criminal charge or apply for a protection order.
“Laying a criminal charge is not a requirement for applying for a protection order. A protection order thus compels the perpetrator of domestic violence to act in a certain manner and prohibits them from committing certain conduct,” he said.
He said any victim of domestic violence, including a child, may apply for a protection order. A health service provider, as well as a police official or social worker, may also apply for it with the consent of the victim.
In addition, W/O Olckers said the SAPS has a commitment to treat victims of domestic violence with sensitivity and care.
“As police officials we will respect and protect the victim’s dignity, listen to what they have to say. We will also not insult or blame victims, nor suggest that it was their own fault. Individuals need to break the silence on domestic violence to combat domestic violence,” he said.
