The ANC Government has a proven track record of combatting violence against women. The Justice Ministry, in a strategy document, made it clear that it wants a criminal justice policy that looks at the special needs of women and children. The Minister and Deputy Minister have started an ongoing public awareness campaign on preventing violence against women. The Domestic Violence Bill clearly spells out that violent behaviour against women and children will not be excused or tolerated. The Bill acknowledges that domestic violence is a serious crime against society and that the majority of the victims are women.
Domestic violence is a major obstacle on the way to gender equality.
It is apparent that the existing Prevention of Family Violence Act is too narrow in its scope. The Bill is much more progressive and covers a wider scope. The Bill offers protection to any victim who is in a domestic relationship whereas the Act applies to only to 'parties to a marriage'. The Act did not define family violence while the Bill gives a broad definition of domestic violence. The Bill forces a member of the Police Services to inform victims of their rights at the scene of a domestic violence case.