The Portfolio Committee on Police seeks to amend Domestic Violence Act

Athenkosi Mvane
20 February 2013

The Portfolio Committee on Police has called for the amendment of the Domestic Violence Act. 

The call comes after an increase in cases of domestic violence especially against women. 

Portfolio Committee Chairperson Annelize van Wyk said there is also a need to re-evaluate the impact the legislation has on the fight against the scourge of women abuse. 

“When there is Legislation that has been in place for so long, is not having the desired effect; if there are shortcomings in the Act, they need to be addressed” van Wyk said.

Van Wyk said they raised the fact that complainants are not always women, and they are allowed to withdraw cases, so if need arises for a change to be made to the Act, then they must be made.