Parliament calls for comment on gender-based violence legislation2 min read
Domestic Violence Amendment Bill [B20 – 2020]
On 8 September 2020, the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services called for written submissions on the Domestic Violence Amendment Bill [B20 – 2020].
The purpose of the Domestic Violence Amendment Bill is to amend the Domestic Violence Act, 1998. Notable amendments include:
- Amendments and additions of certain definitions, including the additions of coercive and controlling behaviour, and amendments to the definitions of harm, harassment, intimidation and sexual abuse and harassment.
- Provisions relating to the manner in which acts of domestic violence and related matters must be dealt with by certain functionaries, persons and Government departments.
- Regulations pertaining to the obtaining of protection orders in response to acts of domestic Notably the Bill makes provision for online applications for protection orders by way of a secure online submission.
The Domestic Violence Amendment Bill can be accessed here.
Written comments on this Bill are due on 9 October 2020 and can be emailed to Mr Ramaano at [email protected].
Enquiries can be directed to Mr Ramaano on 021 403 3820 or cell 083 709 8427.
Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act Amendment Bill [B16 – 2020]
On 8 September 2020, Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services called for written submissions on Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act Amendment Bill [B16 – 2020].
The Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act Amendment Bill includes amendments pertaining to the following:
- Extending the ambit of the offence of incest.
- Introducing a new offence of sexual intimidation.
- Further regulating the inclusion of particulars of persons in the National Register for Sex Offenders.
- Making provision for certain particulars of persons who have been convicted of sexual offences to be made publicly available.
- Expanding the list of persons who are to be protected in terms of Chapter 6 of the Act.
- Further, regulate the removal of particulars of persons from the National Register for Sex Offenders.
- Further regulating the reporting duty of persons who are aware that sexual offences have been committed against children.
The Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act Amendment Bill can be accessed here.
Written comments on this Bill are due on 9 October 2020 and can be emailed to Mr Ramaano at [email protected].
Enquiries can be directed to Mr Ramaano on 021 403-3820 or cell 083 709 8427.
Victim Support Services (VSS) Bill
The Minister of Social Development has extended the deadline for submissions on the Victim Support Services Bill to 7 October 2020.
The object of the Victim Support Services Bill is to provide a framework within which victim support services must be provided to victims of violent crime. The Bill seeks to prevent secondary victimisation of people by providing protection, response, care and support and re-integration programmes. It further seeks to protect the rights of victims and direct that all service providers dealing with a victim treat such victim with dignity and respect regardless of their citizenship, race, gender, culture, religious and personal circumstances.
Further objectives of the Bill include:
- Making provision for the referral of a victim or a person suspected to be a victim to the relevant service provider.
- Ensuring that a victim is assisted to access victim support service programmes and services.
- Providing for intersectoral programmes or support services that seek to promote integrated service delivery for victim empowerment.
- Clarifying the roles and responsibilities of different service providers in the provision of victim empowerment services.
The Victim Support Services Bill is accessible here.
Written comments on this Bill are now due on 7 October 2020 and must be submitted to Siza Magangoe on [email protected]; or Luyanda Mtshotshisa on [email protected]; or Anna Sithole on [email protected]. All comments should be submitted in the following format: Clause Commented on, Proposal, and Motivation.
Please note: The information contained in this note is for general guidance on matters of interest, and does not constitute legal advice. For any enquiries, please contact us at [email protected].
