For the past seven weeks, domestic violence has been on the spotlight as Kuilsriver police, Metro police’s social crime prevention unit and members of the Kuilsriver community met at the NG Kerk De Eike to tackle the issue.
Warrant Officer Sarien Conradie addresses the handful of attendees on court interdicts and how effective they are in protecting victims.
“There are different types of abuse and people do not know about that. Financial and emotional are two of the types of abuse are often unaware of as opposed to most common types of abuse like verbal and physical,” said Conradie.
She said anyone who is afraid for their safety can apply for a court interdict at any of their local magistrate’s courts.
“You will be asked to provide reasons you are applying for the interdict and it is rare that your application will be denied.”
“The respondent will be served with the interdict within 24 hours and both parties will have copies of the interdict.”
She advised people not to give false information when applying for an interdict.
Cape Town’s Mayco member for safety and security, Alderman JP Smith, was a guest speaker on Wednesday 23 May.
He said that although domestic violence was such a big issue, not much light was being shone on it.
“Last year, about 360 people died from gang-related crimes, but we rarely say much about domestic violence. Once a year we have the 16 Days of Activism Against Woman and Child Abuse and say the right things, but nothing ever changes.”
He said that the vast majority of people who are being murdered in South Africa are killed by people they knew.
“And for most women, it is by their husbands or boyfriends.”
He said domestic murder rate in the country is out-pacing that of gang-related murders.
“We are losing more lives to domestic violence than gang violence and something needs to be done. We need to raise more awareness on this issue.”
The next and last session on this issue will take place on Wednesday 13 June at the save venue from 19:00 until 20:30.
