Our gender wellness programme started in 1998.

Aim: To provide rights based programmes around gender based violence and sexual health, and to support and empower survivors including ongoing advocacy and research.

How to get a Protection Order

A person who has been abused can get a Protection Order from the local Magistrate’s Court. This will give the person protection from the abuser anywhere in the country. The Protection Order will apply until the woman decides to cancel it.

To get a Protection Order:

• The clerk of the court will ask the victim to complete a copy of the Application Form for a Protection Order (specifics of the when, where and how the abuse took place will be required).
• The magistrate will give the victim a temporary Protection Order. A Suspended Warrant of Arrest will also be issued, which is an order that authorizes the police to arrest the abuser if he breaks the Protection Order.
• The magistrate will send a notice to both the abuser and the victim regarding a specific court date. At this time the magistrate will decide whether or not to make the temporary Protection Order into a Final Protection Order.

It should be noted that a Protection Order enables the police to arrest the perpetrator of domestic violence should he/she breach the Protection Order.  The matter will then proceed before the courts.  The victim may legally withdraw the complaint after the arrest HOWEVER this is a waste of both the police and courts time and exacerbates the resistance of the authorities to help in cases of domestic violence.

A Protection Order is an excellent tool to reduce abuse if administered properly by all parties.