A protection order is a court order that tells an abuser to stop, and makes it a criminal matter if they don't. Under the Domestic Violence Act you can apply at any magistrate's court. It is free. You do not need a lawyer.
Taelo ya tshireletso ke taelo ya kgotla e e laelang mosotli go emisa. O ka e kopa kwa kgotleng ya magistrata. Ga e duelwe, e bile ga o tlhoke ramelao.
Who can apply
Anyone experiencing domestic violence: physical, sexual, emotional or economic, from a partner, spouse, family member or someone you live with. You can also apply on behalf of someone else, including a child, with their interests at heart.
How it works, step by step
- Go to the magistrate's court nearest to where you live or where the abuse happened. Ask the clerk of court for a protection-order application. Court staff must help you complete it.
- Tell your story on the form. Dates and specific incidents help, but you don't need proof to apply; your sworn statement is evidence.
- Interim order. If you're in danger, the magistrate can grant an interim (immediate, temporary) order the same day, before the abuser is even notified.
- The hearing. Both sides are called. If granted, the final order can stop the abuser from contacting you, coming to your home or work, or taking your shared property.
- If the order is broken, call the police on 999 immediately. Breaching a protection order is an arrestable offence.
Useful to bring (not required)
- Your ID (Omang), and the abuser's details if you have them.
- Any medical reports, police reports, photos, or threatening messages.
- A trusted person for support. We can also accompany you: talk to us first.
You can apply even if you have reported nothing to the police before, and applying does not force you to open a criminal case.