Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Bills

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Submissions are now closed (since 09 October 2020)

Justice and Correctional Services

The Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services invites stakeholders and interested persons to submit written submissions on three Gender-Based Violence (GBV) bills: Criminal Law (Sexual Offences & Related Matters) Amendment Act Amendment Bill , Domestic Violence Amendment Bill and Criminal and Related Matters Amendment Bill.

Comments must be submitted to Mr V Ramaano at [email protected] by no later than 16:00 on 9 October 2020.

Please indicate your interest in making a verbal presentation.   

Read: From the desk of the President, Monday, 7 September 2020

 

Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act Amendment Bill [B16 – 2020]

The purpose of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act Amendment B is to amend the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act, 2007, so as to—

 

  •  extend the ambit of the offence of incest;
  •  introduce a new offence of sexual intimidation;
  • ● further regulate the inclusion of particulars of persons in the National Register for Sex Offenders;
  • make provision for certain particulars of persons who have been convicted of sexual offences to be made publicly available;
  • extend the list of persons who are to be protected in terms of Chapter 6 of the Act;
  • further regulate the removal of particulars of persons from the National Register for Sex Offenders; and
  • further regulate the reporting duty of persons who are aware that sexual offences have been committed against children, and
  • to provide for matters connected therewith.

 

Domestic Violence Amendment Bill [B20 – 2020]

The purpose of the Domestic Violence Amendment Bill is to Amend the Domestic Violence Act, 1998, so as to—

  • amend and insert certain definitions;
  • further provide for the manner in which acts of domestic violence and matters
  • related thereto, must be dealt with by certain functionaries, persons and
  • Government departments;
  • further regulate obtaining of protection orders in response to acts of domestic
  • violence;
  • delete and amend provisions of certain laws; and
  • provide for matters connected therewith.

 

Criminal and Relates Matters Amendment Bill [B17 – 2020]

The purpose of the Criminal and Related Matters Amendment Bill is to amend:

  • the Magistrates’ Courts Act, 1944, so as to provide for the appointment of intermediaries and the giving of evidence through intermediaries in proceedings other than criminal proceedings; the oath and competency of intermediaries; and the giving of evidence through audio-visual link in proceedings other than criminal proceedings;
  • the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977, so as to further regulate the granting and cancellation of bail; the giving of evidence by means of closed circuit television or similar electronic media; the giving of evidence by a witness with physical, psychological or mental disability; the appointment, oath and competency of intermediaries; and the right of a complainant in a domestic related offence to participate in parole proceedings;
  • the Criminal Law Amendment Act, 1997, so as to further regulate sentences in respect of offences that have been committed against vulnerable persons; and
  • the Superior Courts Act, 2013, so as to provide for the appointment of intermediaries and the giving of evidence through intermediaries in proceedings other than criminal proceedings; the oath and competency of intermediaries; and the giving of evidence through audio-visual link in proceedings other than criminal proceedings,
  • and to provide for matters connected therewith.

Enquiries must be directed to Mr V Ramaano at  [email protected] and 083 709 8427

Issued by Hon. Mr BG Magwanishe, MP, Chairperson: PC on Justice and Correctional Services