Branches and Units

Promotion of the Rights of Vulnerable Groups

GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

Visit this page for information on gender-based violence.

ANTI-FEMICIDE
In 2018, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development heeded to the UN call and commenced with the establishment of the very first Femicide Watch in the African continent. The Femicide Watch is the repository of all cases of femicide in a country and is established to assist in the following:
(i) Capture and track down every femicide case; (ii) Carefully analyse data to determine trends and profiles of offenders and victims; (iii) Develop responsive and impactful policies, laws, programmes and initiatives; (iv) Channel resources for intervention to areas of need; (v) Periodically publish the Femicide Watch to raise awareness on femicide and keep the country’s memory alive to the realities of the tragedies, as a prevention measure, etc....read more

RESTORATIVE JUSTICE
Restorative Justice is an approach to justice that aims to involve the parties to a dispute and others affected by the harm (victims, offenders, families concerned and community members) in collectively identifying harms, needs and obligations through
accepting responsibilities, making restitution, and taking measures to prevent a recurrence of the incident and promoting reconciliation...read more

MAINTENANCE
Maintenance is the obligation to provide another person, for example a minor, with housing, food, clothing, education and medical care, or with the means that are necessary for providing the person with these essentials. This legal duty to maintain is called ‘the duty to maintain’ or ‘the duty to support’...more

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
According to the Domestic Violence Act No. 116 of 1998 it is: any form of abuse which includes physical, sexual, emotional, psychological or economic harassment, damage to property, stalking, entry into a person's property without their consent any other abusive or controlling behaviour where such a conduct causes harm or may cause harm to your health, safety, or well being...more

SEXUAL OFFENCES
Certain sections of the long-awaited Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act, No. 32 of 2007, came into effect on the 16th of December 2007 after being signed into law by President Thabo Mbeki. Section 72 of the Act provides for the implementation of Chapters 1 to 4 and 7, which mainly deal with the creation of statutory sexual offences, special protection measures for children and persons who are mentally disabled, certain transitional arrangements and evidence related matters...read more

NATIONAL REGISTER FOR SEX OFFENDERS (NRSO)
The cornerstone of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act, 2007 (SORMAA), is the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO). As part of curbing the prevalence of sexual offences in South Africa, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development has, in terms of Chapter 6 of the Act, implemented the National Register for Sex Offenders on 30th June 2009...read more

CHILD JUSTICE AND FAMILY LAW
The Child Justice Act of 2008 comes into effect today 1 April 2010. The Act protects children in conflict with the law...more

INFO ON THE CHILDREN’S ACT, 2005 (Act 38 of 2005)
Follow this link for more information and FAQ regarding the Children's Act....more

INTERMEDIARY SERVICES PROVIDED IN COURTS
The role of the intermediary is to convey the evidence-related questions from the prosecution, the defence or the magistrate to the child witness or witness with a mental disability in a manner which is sensitive and understandable to the witness. Read more on Intermediary Services provided in Courts.

OLDER PERSONS
The Older Persons Act, 2006 is intended to protect, promote and maintain the status, rights, well-being and security of older persons. It is an Act that aims at combating the abuse of older persons. Follow this link to view contact details for community based centres and residential facilities for older persons.

TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS (TIP)
Trafficking in persons is a serious crime and a grave violation of human rights. Every year, thousands of men, women and children fall into the hands of traffickers, in their own countries and abroad.

CONTACT DETAILS:
Chief Directorate: Promotion of the Rights of Vulnerable Groups
Chief Director: Ms Praise Kambula, Tel: 012 357 8540
Director: Victim Support and Specialised Services, Kamogelo Lekubu, Tel: 012 315 1830, Fax: 012 315 1148