Are you a victim of Domestic Violence?

Are you a victim of Domestic Violence?

If you are being abused and subjected to domestic violence, do something about it now. There is no excuse!

Domestic Violence can take many forms, including verbal assault, sexual assault, physical assault, economic deprivation, harassment and any other controlling behaviour that usually occurs behind closed-doors when no one is looking. Many individuals and especially women are suffering from domestic violence at the hands of their partners, spouses and intimate family members. The foregoing is true, especially with the lockdown likely to continue for a couple of months, we are likely to witness more and more cases of domestic violence.

In 1998, the South African legislature sought to eradicate the occurrence of domestic violence with the promulgation of the Domestic Violence Act 116 of 1998, (“the Act”). This legislation provides clear guidelines as to what constitutes domestic violence and who is entitled to protection in terms of the legislation.

A single act is enough to constitute domestic violence. It is of paramount importance to note that every Magistrate’s Court has a specialised Domestic Violence Court and is able to assist a complainant immediately.

When reporting an incident of domestic violence and laying a complaint, the complainant is required to make a statement which will consists of the following:

1. A history of abuse.
2. A description of the most recent incident of domestic violence.
3. Evidence of any medical attention sought by the complainant as a result of the incident.
4. The complainant’s knowledge of any previous criminal record of the respondent.
5. The complainant’s knowledge of any orders against the respondent with regards to family violence or protection orders, etc.

If you are, or somebody you know is a victim of abuse, then you should approach your local Magistrate’s court or the South African Police Services today. Do not suffer in silence. For more information, kindly contact Duvenage Attorneys and we will gladly assist you.