Report Domestic Violence

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 out 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.

Phone 0800 150 150.

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