What you need to know about a protection order
If the respondent disregards any provision of the protection order, he or she can be arrested.
HELPFUL information on a protection order for victims of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), has been provided by Amanzimtoti SAPS’s communications officer, Captain Charlene van der Spuy.
A protection order is issued by a magistrate when a victim applies for it. The order compels the perpetrator to behave in a certain way, for example, to pay the rent, and forbids the perpetrator of domestic violence to commit certain acts, for example, he or she may not assault or contact the victim.
ALSO READ: June shines the spotlight on fatherless homes
“The order can also prevent the perpetrator from getting help from another person to commit these deeds. The purpose of a protection order is to prevent a repeat of the domestic violence. However, if the respondent disregards any provision of the protection order, he or she can be arrested,” said Van der Spuy.
A victim or any other person who has a real interest in the well-being of the victim may apply for a protection order, which includes an adviser, a health-service provider, a member of the South African Police Service (SAPS), a social worker or a teacher.
ALSO READ: Winklespuit RTI appoints new station commander
Van der Spuy added that a person applying on behalf of the victim must have written permission to do so, unless the complainant is a minor, mentally disabled or unconscious.
If a perpetrator disregards a protection order, you should phone the police. SAPS will ask you to make a sworn statement.
“The order for arrest, which indicates that you received it together with the protection order, must be handed to the police. If you do not have it with you, you must inform the members accordingly,” she said.
For more information, visit www.saps.gov.za. Alternatively, call SA GBV emergency line on 0800 428 428 or SAPS emergency 1011.
DID YOU KNOW?
Click on the words highlighted in red to read more on this and related topics. To receive news links via WhatsApp or Telegram, send an invite to 061 694 6047.
The South Coast Sun is also on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest – why not join us there?
Do you have more information pertaining to this story? Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page, or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.
(Comments posted on this issue may be used for publication in the Sun.)
