In terms of the Domestic Violence Act, 1998 the term “domestic violence” violence includes the following:
- physical abuse;
- sexual abuse;
- emotional, verbal and psychological abuse;
- economic abuse;
- intimidation;
- harassment;
- stalking;
- damage to property;
- entry into the complainant’s residence without consent, where the parties do not share the same residence; or
- any other controlling or abusive behaviour towards a complainant, where such conduct harms, or may cause imminent harm to, the safety, health or wellbeing of the complainant;
Should you be a victim of any of the above acts we can assist you to apply to the relevant court for an interim protection order. If it is proved by way of verbal evidence or evidence on affidavit that the aggressor (respondent) is committing or has committed an act of domestic violence and undue hardship may be suffered by you as a result of the domestic violence should a protection order not be issued immediately the court must issue an interim protection order against the respondent.
As notice of the application is normally not given to the respondent prior to the issuing of the interim protection order, a return date will be allocated for the finalisation of the interim protection order. On this date the respondent may challenge the interim protection order being made final.
Our trial attorneys at AH Stander & Agenbag Inc. is competent and experienced to assist you through this often traumatic and stressful time.
