What is Domestic Violence?
Violent or aggressive behavior within the home typically involves the violent abuse of a spouse or partner.
What are the domestic issues in South Africa?
High crime rates driven by unemployment and poverty, collapsing infrastructure, political insecurity and tension, and an appetite for lawlessness,
pose real threats to domestic stability.
What does the do to those who do Domestic Violence In South Africa?
The magistrate will grant an order against the respondent intending to prevent further violence, failing which criminal prosecution may take place.
Respondents have the opportunity to respond to the allegations before a final order is granted.
Can you withdraw a domestic violence case in South Africa?
As the police are the party that has laid the charges, only the police can withdraw domestic violence charges. The same applies to police AVOs (apprehended violence orders).
You can read our guide on how to get an AVO dropped. Charges can sometimes proceed when a complainant does not give any statement to the police.
How long do you go to jail for domestic abuse in South Africa?
The DVA provides that the violation or breach of any conditions contained in an existing protection order is an offense.
Convicted abusers will be liable to a fine or imprisonment for a period not exceeding five years or, alternatively, to both such fine and imprisonment.