Notes on Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence:

In studying domestic violence students have to refer to:

·        -  Chapter 21 of the text book Family Law, J Heaton, LexisNexis;

·        -  The Domestic Violence Act 116 of 1998

Students can download a copy of the Domestic Violence Act as well as the application forms from http://www.info.gov.za.

Flow chart in respect of a domestic violence inquiry:  

1.            Client lodges a claim at the magistrate’s court that has jurisdiction to preside over the matter.

2.            Application is lodges by completing a standard form obtained from the clerk of the court at the court under oath.

3.            The clerk will peruse the application and open a file and allocate a reference/case number.

4.            The application will be taken to a magistrate in chambers where the magistrate will decide whether the application warrants the issuing of a interim protection order /should be dismissed or whether further evidence will be required to make a decision by issuing a Notice to Show Cause.

5.            In the event of an interim order / notice to show cause being ordered, the application as well as court order will be served on the Respondent via either the SAPS or the Sheriff.

6.            The Respondent may anticipate the interim order by filing the necessary notice at court and informing the applicant of his/her intention to address the application at an earlier date than the return date.

7.            The Respondent has to appear in court on the return date of the application. If he/she fails to attend court and prima facie proof exist that he/she had knowledge of the application – the interim order can be made a final order in his absence.

8.            If the respondent attends court on the return date the matter may be set down for a formal inquiry. At this stage the Respondent can file an opposing affidavit in either confirming or disputing the submissions made by the applicant in the application.

9.            Prior to the trial date the attorneys acting on behalf of the parties will prepare for a formal inquiry by having subpoenas issued i.r.o. witnesses they intend calling during the inquiry, as well as by indexing and paginating the bundle of documents they wish to use during the inquiry.

10.         The respective bundles of documents will be exchanged prior to the inquiry, whilst a copy will be made available to the court as well as for the witness/es.

11.         On the date of inquiry the applicant will firstly present viva voce evidence. After the applicant testified the respondent’s attorney will have an opportunity to cross-exam, thereafter re-examination by the applicant’s attorney.

12.         The applicant’s attorney may call further witnesses to support the application before court. Further witnesses must wait outside the court.

13.         Once the applicant has finalized his/her case – the applicant’s attorney will close its case.

14.         The respondent will thereafter present his/her case. Again the respondent will lead viva voce evidence and steps 11-13 are repeated.

15.         Once the respondent closes his/her case the attorneys of the parties will present arguments to the magistrate, where after the court will make a ruling.

16.         The final order may be rescinded or varied on application.