Domestic violence in Month of Love

Parkview Police Station recently addressed the issue of domestic violence.

In light of February being the Month of Love, Parkview spokesperson, Captain Tintswalo Sibeko said it is vital that men and women report domestic violence incidents to the police as soon as possible.

Sergeant Iris Phoko, head of social crime prevention at Parkview Police Station explained, “Reporting these cases will allow action to be taken or the obtainment of a protection order from a magistrates’ court, which can be issued against the perpetrator.”

What is domestic violence? It is the behaviour by one person in a relationship, between adults who are or who have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality, to control the other. Partners may be married, separated or dating, she further explained.

Read Parkview police address the issue of domestic violence

Phoko said some forms of domestic violence are when a person uses coercion, makes threats or carries out threats to do something which would either hurt the victim or cause him or her to commit suicide, or after the victim has reported the suspect to welfare, making the victim then drop the charges.

Domestic violence also involves the suspect using intimidation to make the victim afraid by using tools, actions, gestures, smashing things, destroying property, abusing pets and displaying weapons.

Emotionally abusing the person by putting them down is another means of domestic violence, as well as making the person feel bad about themselves. “Calling the person names and making her or him think she or he is crazy while playing mind games; humiliating a person and then making them feel guilty; using isolation by controlling what the person does and argue jealousy to justify actions. “Putting children in the forefront to make the person feel guilty about the children and not leave, as well as using visitation to harass and threatening to take the children away.

“Making male privilege prevalent by treating her like a servant. Making all the big decisions and acting like the master of the castle. The perpetrator will be one to define the [male and female] roles. The person will also use this privilege to keep him or her from obtaining a job and not letting that person have access to any income.”

She highlighted the importance of going to the emergency room at a hospital should a person have fallen victim to physical or sexual assault. “Ask the doctor to fill out a form called a J88. You can also take photos of any injuries to your body and use it as evidence in court.

Read Domestic violence

“The reason why people do not report cases is because they believe no one can help them and they are worried no one will believe them and that the abuser will always get them.”

Phoko explained that sometimes the wheels of justice turn slowly, but they do turn and justice will always be served in the end. “The second time someone beats you, you are enabling them. Come in and get the help you need.”

Details: Parkview Police Station 011 486 5000.

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