Legislation classifies the following as domestic violence:
* Sexual abuse, whether you are married to the other person or not.
* Physical abuse or assault, this includes slapping, biting, kicking and threats of violence.
* Damage to property.
* Stalking, when the other person repeatedly approaches you or your children.
* Economic abuse, this is when the other person keeps money, to which you are legally entitled, from you in an unreasonable manner. This includes refusing to pay rent or the bond for the home you chare or disposing of any property in which you have an interest, without your permission.
* Emotional abuse, this includes degrading or humiliating behaviour, repeated insults, belittling, cursing and threats.
* Any other controlling or abusive behaviour which poses a threat to your safety, health or well-being.
Lieut Juanita Coetzer, communications officer for the Boksburg North SAPS, says that if you are abused then you have the right to apply for a protection order or lay a criminal charge at your nearest police station.
“The SAPS will also, where possible, help you find access to medical attention, shelter and victim counselling,” says Coetzer.
She adds that they will ensure that a medical officer collects and records any medical evidence in support of a criminal charge.
“We will go with you to your home when you need to collect personal belongings.”
She says that should an officer fail to carry out this commitment, you can report the matter to the station commander.
According to Coetzer, it is also advisable to have a crisis plan ready.
“Identify places where you can use a telephone quickly and easily. Always carry a list of emergency contact numbers with you and make sure that the people you usually visit have a copy of your protection order.”
She says that victims of domestic violence should put some money in a safe place so that they can call a taxi in an emergency.
“Have an extra set of keys made for your house and car and, if possible, have a set of of clothes for you and your children packed in a bag and keep it in a safe place.”
She adds that if you are planning to leave it is best to do so when the abuser is not around.
“Make sure you are in possession of essential documents such as your ID, medical aid card and your savings or credit card.”
Emergecny numbers
In case of an emergency there are a few numbers you must remember.
Write them down and place them in your home or store them on your phone:
* SAPS emergency number 10111.
* SAPS Crime Stop 0860 10111.
* Crime Stop SMS line 32211.
*Stop Women Abuse Hotline 0800 150 150.
*Child Line 0800 05 55 55.
* Mercy Haven 011 892 5617.
You can stay anonymous on all the crime line numbers when reporting a crime.
