Research knowledge base for GBV questions, methods, and service pathways

Domestic violence includes abuse within a domestic relationship and is broader than physical assault alone. South Africa's amended law recognises forms such as coercive behaviour, controlling behaviour, economic abuse, sexual harassment, spiritual abuse, elder abuse, and exposing a child to domestic violence.

Economic abuse happens when someone uses money or resources to control, punish, or isolate another person. This can include withholding earnings, restricting access to essentials, taking a person's money, or preventing them from working, studying, or meeting household needs.

Coercive behaviour forces a person to do something or stop doing something they are lawfully entitled to do. Controlling behaviour makes a person dependent on the abuser, for example by isolating them from support, regulating their movements, or monitoring everyday life.

A victim of domestic violence can apply for a protection order, and children who are direct or indirect victims can also be protected. In some cases a functionary or another person with a material interest in the victim's wellbeing may apply on the victim's behalf.

No. South Africa's amended domestic violence guidance says a pattern of abuse is no longer required before applying. Early reporting of the first act of domestic violence is encouraged so that intervention can happen sooner.

You should generally approach the court nearest to where you live, work, or do business. If violence forced you to leave home, you may approach the court nearest to your temporary residence, even if you are only staying there briefly.

Yes, in some situations. South African domestic violence guidance allows certain other people, including functionaries or people with a material interest in the victim's wellbeing, to apply on behalf of the victim, especially where the victim is a child or unable to give consent.

South African domestic violence guidance allows for applications to be lodged electronically and also provides for urgent applications outside ordinary court times where immediate harm is feared. In practice, availability may vary by court, so survivors often still need local guidance and support.

The clerk of the court must provide information about rights and remedies, explain the notice in a language the applicant understands, and help with the form if the applicant cannot read, write, or complete it alone. The clerk should also submit the application and supporting affidavits to the court.

Police must explain rights and available remedies in a language the victim understands, and in some circumstances they may arrest the abuser without a warrant. They should also help the victim access medical care, shelters, and public health services where needed.

A victim who shares a residence with the abuser may ask for a Domestic Violence Safety Monitoring Notice. This can require police to check in privately or physically to help monitor the victim's safety while the risk remains active.

Digital abuse can form part of domestic violence and may require legal and platform-based action. South African domestic violence guidance says courts can order communication service providers to help identify the origin of abusive content and remove or disable access to it.

Children can be direct or indirect victims of domestic violence, and the law allows for their protection. Justice guidance also says abused children may receive intermediary support in proceedings, and courts can involve social workers when a child is in need of care and protection.