Know the signs of domestic violence

With more gruesome killings of women and children having recently taken place across Gauteng, the Benoni SAPS wants to educate the public on domestic violence.

June 4, 2017

Penelope Masilela 3 minutes read

Domestic violence or abuse is regulated by the Domestic Violence Act and the act is applicable when violence takes place in a domestic relationship.

What is a domestic relationship?

A domestic relationship exists with –

• Someone you are or were married to

• Your parents or guardians

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

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

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

• With someone 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

• 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 well-being.

What are your options if abused?

You have the right to –

• Apply for a protection order at the nearest police station or magistrate’s court

• 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

• 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.

It is the commitment of the SAPS to treat a victim of domestic violence with sensitivity and care.

What other assistance will the SAPS provide?

We will assist you, where possible to access –

• Medical assistance; a shelter and victim counselling.

We will ensure that a medical officer collects and records any medical evidence in support of any criminal charge.

What to do if the abuser disobeys the protection order?

• Call the police immediately

• Provide the police members with the warrant of arrest you received with the protection order (if you have lost it apply at the court for another one)

• If you are in immediate danger the abuser will be arrested, otherwise the abuser will be given a notice to appear in court the next day.

Have a crisis plan ready:

• Identify places where you can quickly and easily use a phone

• Always carry a list of emergency numbers

• Make sure that the people you usually visit are in possession of a copy of the protection order and/or warrant of arrest

• Put some money in a safe place so that you can take a taxi or bus in case of an emergency

• Have an extra set of keys for the house or car

• If possible, have a set of clothes for yourself (and your children) packed in a bag, and keep it in a safe place (such as at a neighbour). If you are planning to leave, leave when the abuser is not around, and take your children with you

• Make sure that you are in possession of essential documents like an identity document, medical aid card, and your savings or credit card.

For help or more information, contact Crime Stop on 086 001 0111, the Women Abuse helpline on 080 015 0150 or Childline on 080 005 5555.