You may lodge a complaint with the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) if you feel that any member(s) of the South African Police Service (SAPS) failed to comply with the provisions of Domestic Violence Act of 1998. Any interested persons, victims of domestic violence and non-governmental organisations may lodge the complaint. Some of the failures may include failure to:
- Effect arrest against the respondent.
- Assist the complainant to open case, finding a suitable shelter, obtaining medical treatment, accompany complainant to collect personal property and seize any dangerous weapon from the abuser.
- Advise the complainant of options such as failure to advise the complainant to lay criminal charges or to apply for a protection order, or both.
- Serve the respondent with a subpoena to appear in court.
Domestic violence is committed when a person you are involved with in a domestic relationship does the following:
- Abuses you physically or sexually, e.g. commits an assault or rape.
- Abuses you verbally, emotionally or psychologically, e.g. subjects you to verbal insults, treats or repeated excessive jealousy.
- Harasses you, e.g. repeatedly making annoying phone calls to you, sending letters or objects to you, or watching your movements.
- Enters your premises without permission.
- Abuses you economically or financially, e.g. when a husband or a partner insists on making all the decisions about money or refuses to pay for food, school fees, etc.
- Intimidates you, e.g. threatening to kill you if you want to go to the police.
- Damages your property, e.g. burns your clothes, breaks the furniture or slashes your car tyres.
- Breaks an existing valid Protection Order.
- Any other abusive behaviour that threatens your safety, health or well-being.