Distress calls involving incidents of domestic violence

Dispatcher Files

Occasionally we receive distress calls involving incidents of domestic violence. These are difficult to deal with as the member making the call may be in a very precarious situation and may not be able to talk freely.

The South African Domestic Violence Act 1998 defines domestic violence as: physical, sexual, emotional, verbal or psychological abuse; also acts of intimidation, harassment and stalking where such conduct harms, or may cause imminent harm to the safety, health or wellbeing of the complainant.

I received one such a call on a recent evening shift when a TrackBox member called in to report that her husband was under the influence of alcohol and had left their home and taken her vehicle without her permission. To add to the danger, we were told that he also had a gun. She was at home with her children and a female friend.

I immediately called SAPS for the area and spoke to the officer on duty who advised that they would send a van as soon as possible. I called the member again and she said her husband had since come back to the house. SAPS then said they were on the way… but by the time they arrived, we received an update relaying some good news – her husband had not been aggressive on his return and all appeared to be normal. 

Fortunately this incident ended well but could have been much worse, as is often the case.

Should you find yourself in this type of situation, we are a phone call away and will summon the necessary help for you. Please familiarise yourself with your TrackBox app and use it accordingly.

Anything! Anytime! Anywhere!

Dispatcher: Angal (SA31)
TrackBox ERPC National & International
08616-TRACK
08616-87225
https://trackbox.world/
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