Legal news and commentary from the offices of Simon Dippenaar
‘The level of violence against women is beyond just alcohol consumption,’ says Les Da Chef When lockdown began and the alcohol ban was announced, we expressed reservations. While done with the best of intentions, we were not convinced it would curb the widespread incidence of domestic violence, despite the known links between alcohol and gender-based […]
We’ve written about coercive control previously. If you’re still unsure what behaviours can be classed as coercive control, this article from the UK Guardian tells one woman’s story. Sally Challen was convicted of murdering her abusive husband and sentenced to 18 years’ imprisonment in 2011. Last year her conviction was overturned. Her son, David Challen, […]
If the world can unite to beat coronavirus, it should apply the same energy to rooting out abuse Reprinted from the Guardian 2020-05-30. By Graça Machel. Millions of women and children are fighting for survival from abusers in the prisons of their homes. Photograph: Patrick Baz/Abaad/AFP via Getty Images The pandemic is gifting us an […]
Data from the UN population fund, outlining increases in abuse, FGM and child marriage, predicts a grim decade for many women Domestic violence / gender-based violence / violence against women (VAW) – call it what you will. It is a global epidemic arguably worse than COVID-19, because there is no quick fix for it. Self-isolating […]
Lockdown can be a terrifying ordeal if a woman is confined with an abusive partner Lockdown. No one likes it. For some it means a curtailing of outdoor activities like cycling and running. Parents with young children may face a daily struggle to keep them active and entertained. For people who live alone, it’s a […]
“Shows with traumatic plotlines are shifting the national debate” The Netflix mini-series, Unbelievable, may be an American production, but its story is resonating with women all over the world. Conversation has turned to a discussion of Unbelievable in Cape Town and Johannesburg bars and coffee shops more than once recently. What is your view of […]
When men feel both entitled and inadequate, and when their personalities are brittle and impulsive, then alcohol pushes them over the edge. At SD Law, one aspect of our business is liquor licensing, and we unreservedly support responsible drinking and responsible marketing and promotion of alcohol. We have assisted women clients to escape abusive relationships […]
What to do if an arrest warrant is issued against you If you are caught in the act of committing a crime, you will be arrested. At that point you need the services of a good bail lawyer. But what happens if an arrest warrant is issued against you? In this case you have not […]
Cyberbullying is not just a problem overseas Cyberbullying is on the increase, despite the rise in awareness of the problem and the emergence of new strategies and agencies to combat it. Reports of suicides induced by cyberbullying are common around the world, and South Africa is not immune. In February, a grade 6 learner in […]
Protection order is an order used by a court to protect a person or business. If you are a landlord and have been served with a protection order by your tenant, what does this mean and what should you do about it?
