Explainer:What are protection orders?

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah recently said protection orders issued under the Combating of Domestic Violence Act must be served within 24 hours, without exception.

But what are protection orders?

The Combating of the Domestic Violence Act 4 of 2003 provides legal protection against domestic violence in Namibia, including definitions of abuse, protection orders, and procedures for enforcement.

Getting a protection order is a fundamental right provided to victims of physical, sexual, emotional, economic and verbal abuse, or intimidation and threat.

Protection orders have no effect until they are served on the respondent as provided for under Section 9 of the act.

The service of the interim protection order is of particular importance because the order is otherwise of no consequence.

The quicker the protection order is served on the perpetrator, the quicker enforcement can start.

Delays in service are currently problematic and may trigger abuse to escalate or result in death, because there is no protection for the complainant during the time between the date of issue of the interim protection order and the date of service on the respondent.

ven after the service of an interim order, protection by law enforcement should remain a priority.

It is important that the efforts by the court and police be coordinated more promptly so that protection orders become enforceable quicker and serve their purpose.

– For more information, contact the Legal Assistance Centre at (061) 223-356 or info@lac.org.na

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