Domestic Violence

The High Level Parliamentary Panel to assess key legislation heard submissions from the Women’s Legal Centre and Legal Resources Centre on the Domestic Violence Act and its implementation.

Both organisations submitted that there has been non-implementation of the Act as women continued to be abused and experience domestic violence in increasing numbers.

SAPS was identified as one of the culprits in worsening the problem when it was meant to be the public face of government’s commitment to address and eradicate gender based violence.

Commenting on the way forward, the organisations advised that the Act is in need of an urgent review and possible amendment. The legislation did not deal with counselling or mediation and therefore provides no service that speaks to future prevention or addressing the cycle of abuse that is present.