According to the Domestic Violence Act No. 116 of 1998 domestic violence is any form of abuse (physical, sexual, emotional, psychological, financial, or controlling behaviour which causes harm to safety, health, or wellbeing), damage to property, stalking, and/or entrance into another person’s property without consent.
Through mediation one can prepare the necessary conditions, which will be submitted to the magistrate and if they agree with the terms an Interim Domestic Violence Interdict (DVI) will be issued. A DVI is a protection order that will make the victim of domestic violence feel safer, assuming the perpetrator adheres to the conditions. It is important to note, in matters of domestic violence, mediation itself would take place in a safe environment for the victim, either by making use of separate rooms at a police station, or making use of technology, since as Zoom or other platforms, if required. For further information click the link to the Department of Justice web site.
