Best Domestic Violence Lawyers in Cape Town

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JMD ATTORNEYS

JMD ATTORNEYS

15 minutes Free Consultation
Cape Town, South Africa

Founded in 2012
10 people in their team
English
How we WorkJM De Villiers Attorney is a dynamic firm specialising in commercial law and criminal law with a track record of delivering practical solutions to the legal challenges that all our clientele face.We have an extended network of professionals that we work closely with, giving us access to...
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Adams & Adams

Adams & Adams

Cape Town, South Africa

Founded in 1908
1,000 people in their team
Afrikaans
English
Adams & Adams is an internationally recognised and leading African law firm that specialises in providing intellectual property and commercial services.With primary office locations in South Africa and branches and associate offices in a number of African countries, our firm’s leadership...
Bester & Lauwrens Attorneys

Bester & Lauwrens Attorneys

Cape Town, South Africa

English
Bester & Lauwrens Attorneys, located in Somerset West, South Africa, offers a comprehensive range of legal services tailored to meet the diverse needs of their clients. Their practice areas encompass Divorce & Family Law, Trusts, Wills & Estate Administration, and Conveyancing & Property Law. In...
RP Attorneys

RP Attorneys

Cape Town, South Africa

Founded in 2021
1 people in their team
Afrikaans
English
About UsWelcome to RP Attorneys, where expertise meets compassion. Our dedicated team of legal professionals is committed to providing exceptional legal services tailored to meet your unique needs. With years of experience and a deep understanding of various legal domains, we ensure our clients...
Raymond McCreath Inc Attorneys Law firm

Raymond McCreath Inc Attorneys Law firm

Cape Town, South Africa

Founded in 1999
English
Established in 1999 by directors Franklyn Heinrich Lincoln Raymond and Robert William McCreath, Raymond McCreath Inc is a distinguished law firm based in Somerset West, South Africa. The firm offers a comprehensive range of legal services, including environmental and constitutional law,...
SchoemanLaw Inc

SchoemanLaw Inc

Cape Town, South Africa

Founded in 2007
50 people in their team
Afrikaans
English
We believe that it is important that our solutions are practical, lawful and make good business sense. For this reason we also offer various training, content management and implementation options, regardless of the industry or size of the business involved.We work on behalf of a wide range of...
STBB Cape Town

STBB Cape Town

Cape Town, South Africa

Founded in 1901
English
STBB Cape Town is a distinguished law firm renowned for its comprehensive legal services and a legacy spanning over 120 years. The firm has established itself as a leader in property law and conveyancing, offering unparalleled expertise in retail and development property transactions. Their...
Martin Vermaak Attorneys Umhlanga

Martin Vermaak Attorneys Umhlanga

Cape Town, South Africa

Founded in 2020
100 people in their team
English
Afrikaans
Preparation is key to making the most of your case evaluation. While the meeting will naturally focus on your legal dispute, take some time beforehand to envision the future you want to create. What are your goals? What do you hope to achieve? Having a clear vision of your desired outcome can help...
Macgregor Erasmus Attorneys

Macgregor Erasmus Attorneys

Cape Town, South Africa

Founded in 2007
50 people in their team
Afrikaans
English
Macgregor Erasmus Attorneys Inc. is an innovative Law Firm that redefines the role that Lawyers ought to play by providing quick, pragmatic and robust legal solutions and representation which is bespoke to Multinational Corporations, Blue-chip companies, Large, Medium, Small, Micro-enterprises and...
Elaine Jordaan Attorneys

Elaine Jordaan Attorneys

Cape Town, South Africa

Founded in 2021
English
Elaine Jordaan Attorneys, based in Somerset West, South Africa, offers a comprehensive range of legal services tailored to meet the diverse needs of its clients. The firm's practice areas encompass divorce and family law, civil litigation, debt collection, contracts, deceased estates and wills,...
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About Domestic Violence Law in Cape Town, South Africa

Domestic violence is a pressing issue in Cape Town, South Africa. It comprises of numerous forms of abuse, including physical, sexual, emotional, and economic harm inflicted by one person onto another within a domestic setting. The Domestic Violence Act 116 of 1998 is the main legislative body governing matters of domestic violence in South Africa. Its purpose is to afford victims maximum protection from harm and prevent further acts of violence from occurring.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Legal advice can be instrumental in a variety of situations related to domestic violence. Firstly, if you are a victim of domestic violence, a lawyer can help you understand your rights and navigate the legal system to obtain protection. Secondly, if you are falsely accused of domestic violence, it is critical to get legal counsel to defend your rights and protect your reputation. Lastly, lawyers can assist with related issues, such as divorce proceedings, child custody battles, property disputes, and more which often arise in the context of domestic violence.

Local Laws Overview

The Domestic Violence Act 116 of 1998 allows a person who falls victim to domestic violence to apply for a protection order against the abuser. The law is gender-neutral so both men and women can apply for it. It covers not just physical abuse, but also sexual, emotional, verbal, psychological, and economic abuse. It also includes harassment, stalking, damage to property, entry into the complainant's residence without consent, and any other controlling or abusive behavior towards the complainant. Non-compliance with a protection order is considered a criminal offense and can result in the offender's arrest.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are my rights as a victim of domestic violence?

As a victim, you have the right to apply for a protection order, which can forbid the abuser from committing any act of domestic violence, taking your property, entering your residence, or making any contact with you.

How long does it take to get a protection order?

The court can issue an interim protection order on the same day of application, which is put into effect until the final order is granted.

Can a lawyer help me get a protection order?

A lawyer can guide you through the process of obtaining a protection order and can also represent you at court hearings.

Are protection orders enforced across South Africa?

Yes, protection orders are valid and enforced throughout South Africa, irrespective of where they were issued.

What penalties may a perpetrator face under the Domestic Violence Act?

A person contravening a protection order may be sentenced to pay a fine and/or imprisonment for up to five years.

Additional Resources

You can contact organizations such as MOSAIC and Women's Legal Centre that provide support, guidance, and legal resources to victims of domestic violence. The South African Police Service and local Social Welfare Department can also offer assistance.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance in matters of domestic violence, seek a consultation with a legal practitioner specialized in family law. They can guide you through the legal implications of your situation and help outline the best course of action. If you need immediate protection, call the local police department or apply for a protection order at your nearest local court.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Cape Town through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Domestic Violence, experience, and client feedback. Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters. Get a quote from top-rated law firms in Cape Town, South Africa—quickly, securely, and without unnecessary hassle.

Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation. We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.