It can be daunting and require a lot of courage to begin the process of obtaining a protection order, but situations such as being stalked or being the victim of domestic violence often require a protection order for the safety of yourself and your family. With professional lawyers and attorneys, the process can be streamlined and you can be assured that you are being supported with solid legal counsel.
What is a Protection Order?
A protection order is a civil order from a judge that outlines specific rules and regulations that must be adhered to by the offender or would-be offender. If these orders are not adhered to, the abuser can be taken into police custody. Protection orders are put in place to prevent the abuser from further harming you or your children.
As per SAPS
The South African Police Service outlines that a protection order prevents the offender from;
- Committing any specified act of domestic violence/sexual harassment
- Entering the joint residence or entering a specific part of the residence
- Entering the victim’s residence if they are not living together
- Entering the victim’s place of employment/office
- Having contact with a child or children, if it is in the best interest of the child
Obtaining a Protection Order
Wherever possible, collect evidence of the abuse, including recordings of threats, pictures of any abuse, evidence of property that has been damaged, specific dates etc. You will need to declare the abuse you have suffered through an affidavit that will need to be filled out at your nearest police station. The affidavit will require as much detail as possible about the events that have occurred.
Seek Legal Advice
An efficient and caring legal team with experience in notary services can guide you through the process successfully to increase your chances of ensuring that the protection order is obtained and implemented. They also serve to ensure that your rights are being protected. For more information, contact the team at Michael Krawitz or visit their website.
