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Take action against domestic violence
Open a criminal case
The South African Police Service (SAPS) will investigate criminal cases like:
- Assault
- Rape and indecent assault
- Damage of property
Apply for a protection order
- Fill in an application form for the Protection Order.
- The Magistrate will inform the abuser that he must go to court on a specific day.
- The Sheriff of the court will serve the court documents on the abuser.
- The Magistrate will interview the abuser and explain shy the abused should be protected.
- This Protection Order will tell the abuser to STOP with the abuse
- Take a copy of the Protection Order to the nearest police station.
What if the abuser does not adhere to the court?
- Go to any police officer at the nearest police station. He or she will:
- Take a statement from you saying that the abuser did not listen to the court
- Open a case which will be called “contempt of court”
- Take a copy of the Protection Order and place it in the docket
- Go with you to your home and arrest the abuser The court can send the abuser to prison for up to 5 years!!
Domestic Violence can be identified through many types of abuse
Physical Abuse
It is usually the most identifiable and may include: Punches, shoves, kicks and use of weapons
Sexual Abuse
This includes any time a woman is an unwilling participant and may include: Rape and indecent assault
Verbal & Emotional Abuse
This could include: Yelling, swearing and the silent treatment. Emotional control is used to isolate and intimidate a person.
Remember
You are helping the community by reporting cases of abuse. You are stopping the violence in your own home if you speak out.