What Actions Are Labeled as Domestic Violence

In South Africa, as in some other countries, domestic violence abusers are seldom successfully taken to court and punished.

This is because domestic violence can be easily mistaken for something else or not be noticed at all.

The Domestic Violence Act, 1998 (Act No 116 of 1998) protects relationships that previous laws did not protect, such as same-sex or dating relationships, as well as senior citizens. Domestic violence includes the following: 

• Any act or threat of physical abuse – when your husband/wife/spouse/partner hurts or threatens to hurt you.
• Sexual abuse – when s/he abuses or humiliates you sexually.
• Emotional and verbal abuse – when s/he keeps on degrading or humiliating you. This includes insulting you or calling you names, threatening to hurt you, being too jealous or taking away your freedom and safety. 
• Economic abuse – when s/he unfairly takes away financial support that the law says you should have (for example if you are in a relationship) or that you need, or when s/he unfairly gets rid of your property. 
• Intimidation – when s/he scares you with threats.
• Harassment – when s/he scares you and keeps on watching you or waiting for you at your home, work or any other place; when s/he keeps on phoning you, even if you do not talk to one another; when s/he keeps on sending you letters, emails or faxes.
• Stalking – when s/he keeps on following or approaching you.
• Damage to property – when s/he deliberately damages or destroys your property.
• Going into your house without you allowing it if you live in a different house.
• Any other controlling or insulting deeds.