South Africa has undeniably shocking statistics where violence against women is concerned. But there is help available - here's where to get it. By Joy Watson.

How widespread is domestic violence in South Africa?
Violence against women and girl children is endemic, cutting across region, race, class and culture. A leading cause of injury among women and girl children nationally, it’s only erratically punished. A study conducted by the Medical Research Council and The Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation estimates that in South Africa, every six hours a woman is killed by her intimate partner. The findings estimate that approximately nine out of every 100 000 women are victims of femicide. This is reputed to be the highest femicide rate ever reported in research anywhere in the world.

What does the Domestic Violence Act actually say?
The Domestic Violence Act (Act No 116) was promulgated in 1998. It’s relatively progressive: the definition of domestic violence extends beyond physical and sexual abuse to include emotional, verbal and psychological abuse, intimidation, economic abuse, harassment, stalking, damage to property, entry into the woman’s [complainant’s] house when they don’t live together, and controlling and abusive behaviour. This protection includes both heterosexual and same-sex relationships. According to the Act, the police must help the woman find suitable shelter, and must get her medical treatment if necessary. Where they can, the police are also expected to give her information in the official language she chooses, and to tell her that she has a right to lay a criminal charge where applicable. In terms of the Act, the woman can apply to the court for a protection order banning the perpetrator from coming near her. This application can be made outside of ordinary court hours, or on a day which is not an ordinary court day, if the court believes the matter needs to be dealt with immediately because her safety is at risk. Once this interim protection order has been issued, a date is set for the court to hear the application for a protection order.

The court can ban the perpetrator from:

• committing any act of domestic violence
• enlisting the help of another person to commit such an act
• entering the woman’s home or entering a specified part of a shared residence
• preventing the woman from entering or remaining in a shared residence
• entering her place of employment
• committing any other act as specified by the protection order.

The court can also seize any dangerous weapon the perpetrator may have access to and, depending on the woman’s (and his) financial status, can make him pay rent or mortgage repayments. Because the act is also aimed at protecting the children, the perpetrator may be refused contact with a child, or only be allowed contact with appropriate conditions.

Are there enough shelters, and what do they offer?
There are never enough, but the shelters, such as the Saartjie Baartman Centre for Women and Children and Sisters Incorporated in Cape Town, are a safe haven – a supportive, caring environment – for women who need a temporary place to stay. They have helped many women begin to heal and to put together the fragmented pieces of their lives. Both Sisters Incorporated in Kenilworth and the Saartjie Baartman Centre for Women and Children in Athlone, for example, offer much more than temporary shelter. Counselling is offered from the start, as well as medical care, if needed. The woman is assisted in applying for a protection order and given legal help with issues such as maintenance, divorce and court preparation. A crèche helps the mother to focus on putting back together the pieces of her life by providing care for her children while she works. Most shelters provide training, including life-skills training, computer skills and crafts such as beading, sewing and painting for women who are unemployed. The aim is to make the women economically independent, and in so doing, reduce dependency on their husbands or partners, and also to make it easier for them to reintegrate into society.

How long can women stay there?
At the first stage shelter, for up to six months. After this, some go into second stage sheltering where they live in self-contained units and have to do their own shopping and cooking. At Sisters Incorporated, for instance, those living in second stage sheltering must be employed and must make a token contribution towards their rent. This is to prepare them to find their own accommodation.

Are there any men in the shelters?
Men are strictly not allowed into shelters. If they have to come in, for any reason at all, they are searched at the gate and any weapons are confiscated for the duration of their stay. There have been instances where workers at the shelters have been threatened at gunpoint for refusing to allow men access to the women and children they are protecting.

Who supports the shelters?
Fundraising is a consistent challenge. For instance, about 33% of Saartjie Baartman Centre’s funding and 15% of Sisters Incorporated’s is provided by the government, and on average, every month 500 women seek assistance at the Saartjie Baarman Centre alone. Any and all help is welcome.

Where to find help

 • Lifeline: 0861 322 322

• People Against Women Abuse (011) 642 4345 during office hours or 083 765 1235 after hours

• Saartjie Baartman Centre for Women and Children: (021) 633 5287

• Sisters Incorporated: (021) 797 4190