The South African Police Service has urged the public to speak out against domestic violence and to report such cases when they occur.
In a statement issued on Thursday 4 January, the police said victims of such crimes have the right to lay a criminal charge. Citizens also have the right to apply for a protection order at their nearest magistrate’s court, says Captain Adriana Chandler, Table View police spokesperson.
A domestic relationship is a relationship between the victim or complainant and the suspect or respondent either by marriage, mutual place of residence, engaged to one another, dating or mutual parents to a child.
“If you suspect a neighbour, friend or family member is a victim of abuse, please share this information and advise the person to pick up a brochure on abuse at his or her nearest police station,” Chandler says.
Domestic violence includes physical, emotional, verbal and psychological, sexual and economic abuse. It also includes stalking, damage to one’s property, unauthorised entry to one’s property, intimidation, harassment and any other form of controlling behaviour, the police say.
“Support the person and report domestic violence to the police,” Chandler says.
For aid and assistance, victims of abuse or people who identify such people can contact Childline on 08000 055 555 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111, or alternatively the Stop Gender Violence Helpline on 0800 150 150.
For more information on domestic violence visit the police’s website at www.saps.gov.za.
