Domestic Violence Support Checklist for South Africans
Practical toolkit linking survivors to police assistance, court clerks, and safety planning actions under the Domestic Violence Act.
Quick-reference toolkit
Use this checklist when briefing survivors, social workers, or partner organisations. Each item links to statutory duties so teams can escalate correctly.
Essential support actions
Who must be notified at each stage
Mandatory notifications in the Act
Counts reflect the number of documents the clerk must serve or capture at each milestone (sections 5 and 6). Use them to audit compliance.
SAPS victim-friendly room
Request privacy, medical transport, and the shelter list. Officers must assist even if no order exists yet (s3).
Log officer names and OB numbers. Share them with your lawyer or support worker.
Magistrates' court helpdesk
Clerks capture filings, issue certified copies, and forward warrants to police. Confirm your contact details are correct.
Community partners
Share timelines with shelters, counsellors, and employers so they understand court dates and reporting duties.
Document support actions in case police or the court request proof of handovers.
Legal escalation team
Assign a point person to monitor breaches, liaise with SAPS, and request additional warrants (s8(3)).
Set reminders to review the integrated repository after every hearing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
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