16 Days of Activism: Working with the police
JacarandaFM News has been profiling various organisations assisting women and children who are, or have been, victims of abuse.
Knowing where to turn to for help is important, but knowing what to do to get the police involved is just as important.
According to the South African Police Service, domestic violence is a criminal offence that is punishable by law and legislation has been introduced to reduce it.
What is domestic violence?
According to the Domestic Violence Act, 1998 (Act No 116 of 1998 it is:
- Any form of abuse which includes physical, sexual, emotional, psychological or economic harassment
- Damage to property
- stalking
- entry into a person's home without their consent
- any other abuse or controlling behaviour where such conduct causes harm or may cause harm to your health, safety or well-being
Getting a protection order
SAPS says you have the right to apply for a protection order at your nearest police station or Magistrate's Court if you are abused.
You may lay a criminal charge at the police station and apply for a protection order.
Report of Domestic Violence Incident by Sune du Toit on Scribd
A domestic violence protection order is a document that the court issues and it protects the victim from the abuser.
You can download these documents, fill them in and take it to your nearest police station or Magistrate's Court.
Application for Protection Order by Sune du Toit on Scribd
It is important to know what your rights are and what the police officer handling your case needs to do.
Here is a check list every officer needs to go through with you when you lay a domestic violence complaint.
10 Point Checklist (Domestic Violence) by Sune du Toit on Scribd