‘There is no waiting period for reporting abuse’

DOUGLASDALE – Speaking out on domestic violence could save a life.

August 29, 2018

Masego Seemela 1 minute read

In commemoration of Women’s Month, Douglasdale Police Station‘s communications officer, Captain Mpho Tshetlhane, said it was important for the community to report abuse, and crime in general, so that the police are aware of the challenges faced by the community and where to focus their manpower and resources.

“There is no waiting period for reporting abuse. All forms of abuse can be reported, including physical abuse, sexual, emotional, verbal and psychological, economical, intimidation, harassment, stalking, contravention of an existing protection order and any other controlling or abusive behaviour towards a complainant,” she said.

Regarding the process was of reporting or opening a case at the station, Tshetlhane explained that the victim or complainant can either call the police or go to the police station and give a statement where they will be interviewed on the incident and be given an option to either open a case, be referred for counselling or apply for a protection order.

“If a victim requires a restraining order, they can apply for it at the Magistrates’ Court where they will be assisted to complete the application form. The police will then serve the protection order to the abuser and both parties will be summoned to court.”

Tshetlhane said after a case has been opened at the station, it will be registered on their system and the docket will then be allocated to the investigating officer. “The victim will receive a case number via an SMS and the investigating officer will conduct the investigation and give feedback to the victim.”

When asked her thoughts of women who are turned away at the station because they needed to be sure before wanting to open the case, she said that in some of the incidents victims will come to the station being undecided on whether to open cases or not due to trauma or lack of knowledge.

“The police will then inform victims of options they are having and where necessary we refer victims to our station’s Victim Empowerment Centre for counselling.”

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