How reporting a case of domestic violence should go at the police station

During October the station and its Social Crime Prevention Unit hosted a series of awareness campaigns within their policing precinct and clinics around the area.

Spokesperson of the station Jeanette Backhoff explained, “We did this and will continue to host such to make women and the public in general aware of how to deal with domestic violence if they ever find themselves becoming a victim in such a situation.”

According to Backhoff, many cases of domestic violence are not reported and she attributed this to the fear of victims being shamed or ashamed and the lack of information on what to do and expect when you report such to the police.

“If you are being abused, the first step is to apply for a protection order and lay a criminal charge at your nearest police station.”

The following procedure should be expected when visiting a police station with the intention to report such incidents:

• If a member of the community comes to report a case of domestic violence, a police officer will introduce themselves to the complainant in a calm and respectable manner.
• The complainant will be asked if they want a male or female officer to assist them. This is to ensure that the victim is comfortable speaking about the incident without feeling intimidated.
• The complainant will be taken into a private room to be interviewed by the officer.
• The victim will then be asked to explain the details of the abuse.
• The officer will share the necessary advice and options on what can be done in light of what has been shared.
• Once discussed, the complainant will be asked which option of recourse they plan to take and further information on how to begin the process will be given.