Breaking the silence on domestic violence
Domestic violence is any physical, emotional, verbal and psychological abuse, sexual abuse or economic abuse.
AMANZIMTOTI SAPS’s Captain Charlene van der Spuy has provided information on what domestic violence is, what can be regarded as domestic violence, as well as the rights and options victims have.
“Domestic violence is often thought to include only physical violence, but the conduct that constitutes domestic violence varies in nature and frequency.”
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“The Domestic Violence Act, 1998, regulates the procedure to be followed in cases of domestic violence, and affords legal remedies to the victim. Domestic violence occurs between persons who are or were in a domestic relationship,” said Van der Spuy.
Domestic violence is any physical, emotional, verbal and psychological abuse, sexual abuse or economic abuse, for example, if you are unreasonably denied money or the unreasonable alienation of household possessions in which you have an interest, without your consent.
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It can also be damage to your property, unauthorised access to the residence of the victim, for example, to enter the house of a former girlfriend without her permission, intimidation, such as written or verbal death threats that cause fear, harassment, for example, undesirable telephone calls, stalking of the person or loafing around in places where the victim is, as well as any other behaviour that is harmful to the safety or well-being of the victim.
As a victim of domestic or gender-based violence, you have the right to lay a criminal charge and apply for a protection order at the nearest Magistrate’s court.
Laying a criminal charge is not a requirement for applying for a protection order.
For more information, visit www.saps.gov.za. Alternatively, call SA GBV emergency line on 0800 428 428 or SAPS emergency 1011.
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