Murder by partner is the final act in a series of abuses
There has been a recent surge in murders of women, many committed by their intimate partners. Murder is usually the final act in a long history of abuse. Those in abusive relationships have time to seek help before it’s too late.
As predicted, the Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated the problem of gender-based violence in South Africa, with a recent surge in murders of women and girls.
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News of each killing stirs outrage, but focus on the murder itself often masks the primary issue: That these murders, when committed by intimate partners, are usually the final act in a long history of abuse.
“Intimate partner violence occurs within relationships, where abusive behaviours set in almost invisibly and gather impetus over time until aggression becomes the norm and there is real danger of injury or death. Initial red flags insidiously morph into overtly dangerous behaviours as the abuse ramps up.
During this phase, once victims become aware that they are in danger, there is time to seek help and make changes which could be life saving”, says Yvonne Wakefield, founder of The Warrior Project, an online portal providing information and resources to victims of domestic abuse.
The portal includes a free legal advice helpline and WhatsApp line for victims, and access to other available resources like counselling and shelters.
“We encourage members of the public who need legal advice to figure out what they should do if they or someone they know find themselves in a situation of domestic abuse, to seek it”, says Delia McArthur, Chief Legal Executive at Law For All, who supply the free legal helpline service to The Warrior Project, “We believe that education is key, so knowing what your legal rights are in a situation like this is imperative.”
The process for applying for a domestic violence protection order in terms of the Domestic Violence Act is available to any victim, regardless of the type of abuse they are subject to. “Our domestic abuse legislation is not perfect, but in most cases it is solid enough to effectively protect victims who are in danger” says Wakefield.
“Without help, domestic abuse does not get better, so not seeking help in the hope that it will could prove fatal.”
Turning the tide on gender-based violence and domestic abuse will require a number of interventions, but using legal processes already in place for protection is one of the measures that individual victims can take while civil society tackles the more systemic issues.
*Submitted by Yvonne Wakefield at yvonne@thewarriorproject.org.za
