Addressing domestic violence: to what extent does the law provide effective measures?

Abstract

English: The high incidence of domestic violence in South Africa calls for a competent legal response. The Constitution as well as international human rights conventions oblige the state to protect human rights, including the rights of victims of domestic violence. The government is, therefore, challenged to enact effective legal measures to address domestic violence. This paper undertakes to examine the current legal remedies and protection available to victims of domestic violence. The focus is on the Domestic Violence Act 116 of 1998. The Act is discussed, compared to previous legislation and critically evaluated to assess its effectiveness in addressing domestic violence.

Afrikaans: Die hoë voorkoms van gesinsgeweld vereis effektiewe regsmaatreëls. Die Grondwet asook internasionale menseregte-konvensies verplig die regering ook om menseregte, insluitende die regte van slagoffers van gesinsgeweld, te beskerm. Die regering staan dus voor die uitdaging om effektiewe regsmaatreëls daar te stel om gesinsgeweld aan te spreek. Gevolglik ondersoek hierdie artikel die huidige regsremedies en beskerming wat vir die slagoffers van gesinsgeweld beskikbaar is. Die fokus is op die Wet op Gesinsgeweld 116 van 1998. Die Wet word bespreek, vergelyk met vorige wetgewing en krities geëvalueer om te bepaal hoe effektief dit is in die bekamping van gesinsgeweld.