The Protection Against Harassment Act 17 of 2011.
This Act emphasizes how harassment takes place in a variety of ways. This Act was legislated to provide legal protection and solution for victims of Harassment. In this context, a protection order serves as that legal protection.
Defining Harassment:
Section 1 of the Act defines “harassment” as “directly or indirectly engaging in conduct that the respondent knows or ought to know –
(a) Causes harm or inspires the reasonable belief that harm may be caused to the complainant or a related person by unreasonably:
- Following, watching, pursuing, or accosting the complainant or a related person, or loitering outside of or near the building or place where the complainant or a related person resides, works, carries on business, studies, or happens to be
- Engaging in verbal, electronic, or any other communication aimed at the complainant or a related person, by any means, whether or not conversation ensues
- Sending, delivering, or causing the delivery of letters, telegrams, packages, facsimiles, electronic mail, or other objects to the complainant or a related person or leaving them where they will be found by, given to, or brought to the attention of, the complainant or a related person
(b) Amounts to sexual harassment of the complainant or related person.”
In essence, harassment takes place when an individual’s conduct is so abusive that it infringes on the well-being of another individual in the context of physical, mental, financial, and psychological harm.
Different kinds of harassment:
- Sexual Harassment– Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and forced sexual penetration and gestures.
- Personal Harassment – Bullying at school/work.
- Cyber Harassment – Stalking or pursuing an individual or sending electronic communications that cause harm.
Instituting A Protection Order:
You may apply for a Protection Order in court. If you are a victim of harassment, the Law is there to safeguard and preserve your wellbeing. Manzankosi Corporate Legal Consultancy prides itself on assisting women, children, and men from abuse and violence. Contact us on 067 147 2323/081 712 1114 or email info@manzankosiclc.co.za
