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Dec 96 min read

PROJECT: 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM FOR NO VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND CHILDREN (PART 2) - RESTRAINING ORDERS

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The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children is an annual global campaign

from 25 November 2024 to 10 December 2024.


This year’s theme is "30 Years of Advancing Collective Action to End Violence Against Women and Children".

The campaign seeks to address gender-based violence and promote positive masculinity, gender equity,

and economic opportunities for women and children.

 

KEY HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2024 INCLUDE:

 

The campaign calls on individuals to actively:

  • Reject and report abuse in all forms.

  • Challenge harmful societal norms and cultural practices.

  • Promote gender equality and supportive behaviours within their communities and families.

  • Participate in awareness events, such as "Orange the World," where the colour orange symbolises hope for a violence-free future.

 

UNDERSTANDING RESTRAINING ORDERS: A GUIDE FOR VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

 

In South Africa, restraining orders are known as Protection Orders. They are legal documents issued by a court to protect individuals from domestic violence or harassment.

 

TYPES OF PROTECTION ORDERS:

  • INTERIM PROTECTION ORDER:

    • A temporary order is granted quickly to provide immediate protection while the full application for a final order is being processed.

  • FINAL PROTECTION ORDER:

    • A permanent order issued after a court hearing outlining specific conditions the abuser must follow.

 

OPEN A POLICE CASE:

  • The South African Police Service (SAPS) is legally obligated to assist you if you wish to open a case related to gender-based violence (GBV).

  • SAPS cannot send you away or refuse to open a case, regardless of the perceived severity of your situation.

  • Your information must be handled with sensitivity and confidentiality.

  • If needed, SAPS should help facilitate medical attention, including issuing a J88 form for evidence collection in cases of physical or sexual assault.

  • SAPS should guide you to safe shelters or counselling services if required.


WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE TURNED AWAY AT ANY POLICE STATION:

  • If a police officer refuses to assist, request to speak with the Station Commander or the officer in charge.

  • Take note of the officer’s name and badge number, and record the time and date of the refusal.

  • File a complaint with the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) at www.ipid.gov.za or call 012 399 0000.

  • Ask for legal advice and contact organisations like:

    • Mr. Mike Bolhuis and Specialised Security Service: +27 82 447 6116

    • Legal Aid South Africa: Provides free legal assistance (Call: 0800 110 110).

    • GBV Command Centre: Available 24/7 for immediate support (Call: 0800 428 428 or SMS: 1207867#).


PRACTICAL ADVICE:

  • Be clear and assertive about your intention to open a case.

  • Bring any available evidence or documentation (e.g., messages, photographs, or witness statements).

  • If you feel intimidated, bring a trusted person or an advocate with you.

  • No victim of GBV should be denied justice or protection. SAPS is there to serve the community, and every individual deserves dignity, respect, and safety.

 

APPLY FOR A PROTECTION ORDER:

  • FILE AN APPLICATION:

    • You can apply for a protection order at a magistrate's court in the area where you or the abuser lives, works, or where the abuse occurred.

  • PROVIDE EVIDENCE:

    • Gather evidence to support your claim, such as medical reports, SAPS case numbers, photos of injuries, or witness statements.

  • COURT HEARING: 

    • The court will schedule a hearing where you can present your case and the abuser can respond.

  • ORDER ISSUANCE:

    • If the court grants the protection order, it will be issued in writing and specify the conditions the abuser must follow.

 

CONDITIONS OF A PROTECTION ORDER:

The court can impose various conditions, including:

  • NO CONTACT:

    • The abuser may be prohibited from contacting or communicating with you.

  • STAY AWAY ORDERS:

    • The abuser may be ordered to stay a certain distance from your home, workplace, or other specified locations.

  • NO HARASSMENT OR THREATS:

    • The abuser may be prohibited from harassing, threatening, or intimidating you.

  • PROPERTY RESTRICTIONS:

    • The court may make orders regarding shared property or finances. 

 

Recognising red flags in gender-based violence (GBV) and domestic violence is critical for supporting victims and potentially saving lives. These red flags can manifest in behaviours, psychological signs, or patterns of control and intimidation.


  • BEHAVIORAL RED FLAGS:

    • Isolation from family and friends:

      • Victims may withdraw from social interactions, often at the insistence of their abuser.

    • Changes in behaviour or personality:

      • They may become anxious, depressed, or overly cautious, especially around their partner or alleged abuser.

    • Fearfulness:

      • Victims may appear nervous, jumpy, or overly submissive in the presence of their abuser.

    • Frequent unexplained absences:

      • This can include missing work, school, or social commitments due to abuse.

    • Unwillingness to speak freely:

      • Victims may seem evasive or avoid discussing personal matters, especially about their relationships.

  • PHYSICAL RED FLAGS:

    • Unexplained injuries:

      • Repeated bruises, cuts, burns, or other injuries with vague or inconsistent explanations.

    • Wearing long sleeves and pants in warm weather:

      • It may be an attempt to hide physical injuries or scars.

    • Frequent visits to healthcare providers:

      • Often for injuries that are downplayed or excused as accidents.

  • PSYCHOLOGICAL AND EMOTIONAL INDICATORS:

    • Low self-esteem:

      • Victims may internalise blame or believe the abuse is their fault.

    • Signs of trauma or PTSD:

      • Nightmares, flashbacks, difficulty sleeping, or hyper-vigilance.

    • Mood swings:

      • Fluctuating between hopelessness and forced cheerfulness, depending on their environment.

  • PATTERNS OF CONTROL BY THE ABUSER:

    • Constant monitoring:

      • The abuser may excessively check the victim’s whereabouts, phone, or online activity.

    • Financial control:

      • Restricting access to money, forcing dependence on the abuser for essentials.

    • Emotional manipulation:

      • Threats to harm themselves, the victim, children, or pets if the victim leaves or reports them.

    • Excessive jealousy or possessiveness:

      • Accusing the victim of infidelity or controlling their interactions with others.

    • Escalation of violence:

      • Abuse tends to worsen over time, increasing in frequency or severity.

  • RELATIONSHIP RED FLAGS:

    • Rapid progression in relationships:

      • Moving in together, marrying, or making serious commitments unusually quickly.

    • Disregard for boundaries:

      • Violating personal, physical, or emotional boundaries without consent.

    • Frequent conflicts or verbal abuse:

      • Persistent arguments, yelling, or belittling remarks.

  • SIGNS OF COERCIVE CONTROL:

    • Restrictions on independence:

      • Victims may be forbidden to work, study, or even leave the house alone.

    • Threatening deportation or legal action:

      • Common in cases involving undocumented migrants or those dependent on visas.

    • Controlling reproductive choices:

      • Forcing pregnancy, denying contraception, or making medical decisions without consent.

 

SSS continues to raise awareness of these signs in an effort to break the cycle of abuse

and ensure children are protected in their homes and communities.

 

Any GBV or Domestic Violence abuse should be reported immediately to authorities or a trusted organisation,

such as Specialised Security Services.

 

Specialised Security Services invites the public to the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel.

This channel is important in delivering insights into the latest crime trends, awareness, warnings and the exposure of criminals.


How to Join the WhatsApp Channel:

1. Make sure you have the latest version of WhatsApp on your device.

2. Click on the link below to join the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel:

3. Follow the prompts to join the channel.

4. Make sure you click on "Follow", then click on the "bell"-icon (🔔)

 
CONTACT MR MIKE BOLHUIS FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY MEASURES, PROTECTION, OR AN INVESTIGATION IF NEEDED.

ALL INFORMATION RECEIVED WILL BE TREATED IN THE STRICTEST CONFIDENTIALITY AND EVERY IDENTITY WILL BE PROTECTED.
 

Regards,

Mike Bolhuis

Specialist Investigators into

Serious Violent, Serious Economic Crimes & Serious Cybercrimes

PSIRA Reg. 1590364/421949

Mobile: +27 82 447 6116

Fax: 086 585 4924

Follow us on Facebook to view our projects -


EXTREMELY IMPORTANT: All potential clients need to be aware that owing to the nature of our work as specialist investigators there are people who have been caught on the wrong side of the law - who are trying to discredit me - Mike Bolhuis and my organisation Specialised Security Services - to get themselves off the hook. This retaliation happens on social media and creates doubt about our integrity and ability. Doubt created on social media platforms is both unwarranted and untrue. We strongly recommend that you make up your minds concerning me and our organisation only after considering all the factual information - to the exclusion of hearsay and assumptions. Furthermore, you are welcome to address your concerns directly with me should you still be unsatisfied with your conclusions. While the internet provides a lot of valuable information, it is also a platform that distributes a lot of false information. The distribution of false information, fake news, slander and hate speech constitutes a crime that can be prosecuted by law. Your own research discretion and discernment are imperative when choosing what and what not to believe.


STANDARD RULES APPLY: Upon appointment, we require a formal mandate with detailed instructions. Please take note that should you not make use of our services – you may not under any circumstance use my name or the name of my organisation as a means to achieve whatever end.


POPI ACT 4 of 2013 South Africa: Mike Bolhuis' "Specialised Security Services" falls under Section 6 of the act. Read more here: https://mikebh.link/fntdpv

 
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South Africa

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