Domestic Violence

1 in every 4 women in South Africa are assaulted by their boyfriend or husband every week.  Gender based violence cuts across race, culture, religion and class.
It is a known fact that some men are also victims of domestic violence.  The prevalence of violence against men by their female intimate partner is not known due to under reporting by male victims.
Are you or someone you care about being abused:  physically, sexually, emotionally, verbally, psychologically and/or economically.

Know your rights:
You have the right to protection:

• Get a interim protection order
• A protection order is an order made by court under the Domestic Violence Act 116 of 1989

which can instruct the abuser:

• Not to commit acts of domestic violence that you have specified such as not to enter certain parts of the house even if he is paying, not to call you names, not to physically abuse you etc
• The abuser can also be ordered to provide compensation for financial losses suffered by the applicant at the time of issuing the interim( temporal)protection order. This may include loss of income, medical expenses, moving and accommodation expenses even if you are not staying with him. He can also be instructed to have no or specified contact with the children.  A protection Order can also tell the police to take away the abuser’s gun or other dangerous weapons and to provide an escort to fetch your belongings.
• Lay a charge of assault
• If your partner has physically assaulted you, you may go to a nearest police station and lay a charge of assault against him or her. Any police official will be able to assist you in this regard.
• The duty of the police is to inform the applicant of her/his rights and to assist her/him (for example to find alternative shelter)
• The court may order the police to seize arms or dangerous weapons

It is important that you can talk to someone whom you can trust.  Whether you want to leave your relationship or not LifeLine is there to listen and emotionally support you!   Phone 0861 322 322 or contact our local office (011) 421-0384