The police have urged women, men and children who might be falling victim to violence in their homes, especially during the lockdown period, to contact the police.
Midrand Police Station spokesperson, Sergeant Matome Tlamela explained that there are a number of steps victims could take to report an incident of domestic violence.
“The procedure is to visit a police station or the victim can call a sector vehicle to attend to their situation at their house. We will, where possible, help you find access to medical attention, a shelter, and victim counselling. We will further inform you of the support services that are available in the area.”
Tlamela added”If the victim does come to the police station, they can report [the incident] at the Client Service Centre (CSC)… We will take down their details and record the domestic violence in the domestic violence register and complete the occurrence book. Also, while the officer is assisting the complainant, they will complete their pocket book for record keeping.
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“Furthermore, the complainant will also be advised to apply for a court protection order if they do not want to open a docket.”
Tlamela explained that domestic violence can take different forms.
This can be anything from:
• Sexual abuse (whether you
are married to the other person or not)
• Physical abuse or assault
(for example, slapping, biting, kicking, and threats of physical violence)
• Damage to property or
anything you value
• Stalking (when the other
person follows or approaches you or your children repeatedly)
• Economic abuse (when the
other person keeps money which you are legally entitled to from you in an unreasonable manner by refusing to pay or share the rent or mortgage bond for the home you share or disposing of any property (household goods) in which you have interest, without your permission)
• Emotional abuse (degrading
or humiliating behaviour, including repeated insults, belittling, cursing and threats) any other controlling or abusive behaviour which poses a threat to your safety, health or well-being.
Tlamela also made it clear that the SAPS is committed to treat victims of domestic violence with sensitivity and care.
“As police officials we will treat victims with respect and protect their dignity, listen to what victims have to say, not insult or blame or suggest that it was their own fault that they were abused and inform victims of their rights and options.”
Details: Midrand Police Station 011 347 1626.
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