According to the Domestic Violence Act No. 116 of 1998 domestic violence is:
- any form of abuse, which includes:
- physical or sexual, irrespective of whether you are married or not
- emotional or psychological (degrading or humiliating behaviour, including repeated insults, belittling, cursing and threats)
- economic, where the abuser keeps 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; or disposing of any property (household goods) in which you have interest, without your permission;
- damage to property
- stalking
- entry into your property without your consent
- any other abusive or controlling behaviour where such a conduct causes harm or may cause harm to your health, safety, or well being.
If you feel that you are a victim of any act of domestic violence, you can approach the nearest police station or the local magistrate's court and request assistance in bringing an application for a protection order. The Clerk of the Court will assist you to complete the necessary forms and take you before a magistrate who will determine whether to grant the order or not.
You can find more information about the process on the websites of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development and the South African Police Service.
You can also call the Department of Social Development's hotline at the Gender Based Violence Command Centre:
Toll-free number: 0800 428 428
USSD (Please Call Me) *120* 7867#
sms Help to 31531
Skype: HelpMeGBV
