What to expect from the SAPS

“It is the commitment of the SAPS to treat all victims of domestic violence with sensitivity and care.”

These are the exact words stated in a pamphlet about domestic violence, which is available from the SAPS and which the NEWS obtained from the Edenvale Police Station’s client service centre.

In the pamphlet, domestic abuse is referred to as:

•  Emotional, verbal and psychological abuse, the invasion of privacy and humiliation.
•  Sexual abuse, sexual assault and forcing the victim to have sex.
•  Economic abuse, the withholding of money the victim is legally entitled to in an unreasonable manner without the victim’s consent.
•  Physical abuse, assaults and threats that aim to create physical harm to the victim.
•  Stalking or harassment, the repeated following or making repeated unwanted phone calls.
•  Damage to property or damaging any property that belongs to the victim.
•  Unauthorised entry into a victim’s residence, or entering the victim’s house without their permission.
•  Intimidation and threats, including written or verbal threats of any kind that induce fear.
•  Any form of controlling behaviour that threatens the victim.

The information poster states the responsibilities of the police, which includes:

•  Treating victims with respect and protecting their dignity.
•  Listen to what victims have to say.
•  Not to insult or blame victims, or suggest that it was their fault that they were abused.
•  To assist victims with empathy and care.
•  To inform victims of their rights and options.

Victims’ statements are to be taken in private and not in the presence of the abuser or the public. The police have to make an effort and help people in a language they understand; this can be done by making use of a translator or by using notices in the victim’s language to help them proceed.

If a police officer fails to carry out their commitment, the public can report the mater to the station commissioner at the relevant police station and if the individual is dissatisfied with the the way in which the station commissioner is dealing with the complaint, you may personally report the matter to the Independent Complaint Directorate.