{"id":223901,"date":"2019-12-01T06:30:00","date_gmt":"2019-12-01T04:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/germistoncitynews.co.za\/223901\/frequently-asked-questions-about-abuse\/"},"modified":"2019-12-01T19:48:43","modified_gmt":"2019-12-01T17:48:43","slug":"frequently-asked-questions-about-abuse","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/news-headlines\/2019\/12\/01\/frequently-asked-questions-about-abuse\/","title":{"rendered":"16 Days of Activism: Frequently asked questions about abuse"},"content":{"rendered":"

What is a protection order?<\/strong><\/p>\n

A restraining order or a protection order is an order used by the court to protect a person, business, company and the general public in a situation involving domestic violence, harassment, stalking or sexual assault.<\/p>

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Who can apply for a protection order?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Any person or complainant who is a victim of an act of domestic violence may apply to court for a protection order.<\/p>

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The application may be heard in private and the complainant\/respondent may be allowed to bring to court not more than three people for the purpose of providing support.<\/p>\n

Does a protection order expire and for how long is it valid?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Once a protection has been granted it never expires and it is valid for a lifetime, however, it is important to note that in a court of law it is the magistrate\u2019s final decision as to whether a protection order may be set aside.<\/p>\n

What must I do in case I find myself in a violent situation at night?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Find the police station nearest to you for assistance.<\/p>\n

Police stations have Victim Empowerment Centres, where the victims of violence are assisted.<\/p>\n

If the police station is far use the emergency numbers.<\/p>\n

Violence also takes place during the day and anyone at risk can get assistance from a Victim Empowerment Centre at a police station.<\/p>\n

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ALSO READ:<\/span><\/p>\n

16 Days of Activism: Centre offers victims love and care<\/a><\/p>\n

16 Days of Activism: Women need to be educated to be empowered<\/a><\/p>\n

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What will happen to my children if I run for safety and leave them behind?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Depending on how safe the children are when left behind, the SAPS will be of assistance in reuniting the children with their mother.<\/p>\n

Would I be able to go to work and my children to school if I get to a place of safety?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Employed women go to work as expected.<\/p>\n

Their children are placed in local schools if necessary and they are transported to and from school on a daily basis.<\/p>\n

How long will I be sheltered for and is there a fee payable to be in a shelter?<\/strong><\/p>\n

The shelter is a place of safety.<\/p>\n

The minimum stay is three months and no fees are charged hence every person who is at risk gets assisted even if they are unemployed.<\/p>\n

Can there be rape in a marriage?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Yes, it is called a spousal rape.<\/p>\n

It happens when one spouse does not consent to having sex and the other spouse\/partner forces themselves on the spouse.<\/p>\n

This kind of abuse must be reported to the police.<\/p>\n

The victim must receive counselling in the process.<\/p>\n

Which important documents must I take with me when I leave the abusive relationship?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Make sure all your documents are kept in a file at all times.<\/p>\n

In the case of an emergency you can grab that file and run.<\/p>\n

Some of the documents in that file must be your ID, children\u2019s birth certificates and their school reports to name a few.<\/p>\n

What if I do not want to open a case against the perpetrator?<\/strong><\/p>\n

The victim of domestic violence will be empowered with information and it is up to her if she opens a case or not after receiving the information.<\/p>\n

For more information, call the Amcare helpline on 065 811 7266 or email to socialworkservices@amcare.org.za.<\/p>\n

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Hav<\/strong>e a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za,<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za\u00a0<\/a><\/strong>or Ashley Kiley (Journalist)\u00a0ashleyk@caxton.co.za.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

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