What is domestic violence

Warrant Officer Karen Jacobs of Honeydew Police Station talks about domestic violence, its ripple effects and advice on what steps victims can take. She mentioned that domestic violence or abuse is regulated by the Domestic Violence Act. “This Act is applicable when domestic violence takes place in a domestic relationship,” said W/O Jacobs.

What is a domestic relationship?

A domestic relationship exists with –

• Someone you are or were married to;

• Your parents or guardian;

• Any family member(s), including your own child(ren);

• Anyone you have been living with, whether married or not;

• Your partner of the same sex;

• Someone you went out with, even for a short time, or had sex with; or

• Someone with whom you share a child.

What is domestic violence?

The following can be regarded as domestic violence:

• Sexual abuse (whether married or not)

• Physical abuse or assault

• Threats of harm

• Damage to property or anything you value

• Repeatedly following or approaching you or your children (stalking)

• Economic abuse – keeping money to which you are legally entitled 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 permission

• Emotional abuse (degrading or humiliating behaviour, including repeated insults, belittling, name-calling or threats)

• Any other controlling or abusive behaviour which may harm your safety, health or wellbeing

What are your options if abused?

You have the right to:

• Apply for a protection order at the nearest police station or magistrates’ court; or

• Lay a criminal charge at the police station, as well as apply for a protection order.

What is a protection order?

• It is an order issued by a court at your request, ordering a person with whom you have or had a domestic relationship, to stop the abuse and may also prevent the person from getting help from any other person to commit such acts.

• An interim protection order can also be issued, day or night, to protect you from danger.

Who may apply for an order?

• Any victim of domestic violence

• Children, and if they are too young, the parent or guardian, as well as any person on behalf of someone they are responsible for, but with their permission

• A police official.

What to do if the abuser disobeys the protection order?

• Phone the South African Police Service.

• A statement will be taken from you.