Community Safety MEC Albert Fritz has announced the launch of a booklet, titled Guide for Victims of Domestic Abuse, which will provide people with information on how to obtain protection orders.
Fritz encouraged residents to share the information far and wide for it to reach those who need it the most.
The booklet will be able to assist people in defining a domestic relationship and domestic violence.
It will help to outline the rights of victims of domestic violence and the responsibilities of members of the police.
It will also explain what a protection order is and advise on how to obtain one, and it will provide useful contact details of how to access services relating to gender-based violence (GBV), domestic violence (DV) and femicide (GBVF).
Victims of abuse should firstly report the incident to their local police station, Fritz said.
“The victim must then apply for a protection order at their local magistrate’s court.
“It should be noted that an interim protection order can also be issued at any time of the day or night for protection.”
Fritz said if used properly and under the correct circumstances, it can be a powerful tool in protecting the life of a person and their well-being.
Fritz said children may also apply for protection orders.
Should they be too young, a parent, guardian or anyone acting on behalf of the child may apply with permission for a protection order.
African News Agency