How the Domestic Violence
teams utilised technology
to better the case
system for victims
It is clear by the alarming statistics that are released quarterly on GBV in South Africa that domestic violence is affects so many communities in the country.
In light of this, it’s important that victims can feel safe and heard in the process of reporting and opening a case, and receive the protection and justice they deserve. The Domestic Violence teams had a difficult task ahead of them in making the process of a case as simple and effective as possible for the survivor.
The result: During the 100 days, the domestic violence finalisation rate for the participating Limpopo courts increased to 78%.
This marked a significant improvement where the finalisation rate sat at 42% before the start of the 100-Day Challenge.
How did the Domestic Violence teams achieve this? Let’s have a look at their innovations and how the overcame obstacles.
Increasing the electronic serving of documents
The teams asked for details such as email addresses and WhatsApp numbers for electronic serving to be effected via email or Whatsapp. Teams identified that it was important to establish as many points of contact with the parties so that cases were not delayed.
These additional communication channels proved to be a more effective way of sending notices than by post, which often posed unnecessary issues such as mail getting lost or taking a long time to arrive.
The team also made use of the Integrated Court Management System (ICMS) that led to an SMS system that sends texts automatically.
Following-up process was improved
Follow-up calls were made to applicants and respondents to ensure that they were aware of their hearing date and to emphasise the importance of appearing.
f respondents weren’t able to appear for whatever reason, Microsoft Teams was utilised so no cases were unnecessarily delayed.
Taking action quickly
Due to the sensitivity of many cases and the need for victim protection, acting quickly is crucial. Often delays with domestic violence cases occur when witnesses can’t get to the courtroom. Investigating officers assisted in getting witnesses to court for trials, and, in some cases, witnesses were tracked in 7 days instead of the required 14 days.
Conducting radio interviews to educate communities
In addition to their ambitious goals, many court teams understand that a lack of awareness of the justice system and court processes prevented victims of domestic violence from reporting their cases. Responding to this, teams embarked on various outreach initiatives but the most impactful one was a community radio campaign that ran throughout the 100 days coordinated by Legal Aid. Over 50 local community radio interviews took place during the 100 days and were used to empower communities by educating them on court processes and how the justice system is there to protect their rights and swiftly respond to domestic violence cases.
Leading by example.
Many of the participating courts significantly reduced their turnaround time to grant domestic violence protection orders. Mankweng reduced their turnaround time from 90 days to 42 days, Nkowankowa and Waterval both from 90 days to 30 days, and Thohoyandou From 7 weeks to 3 weeks.
Continued collaboration is key for sustainability
With their goals insight, teams made quick decisions on the spot and ensured that they followed up with all stakeholders that were involved with the 100-Day Challenge. Communication was key, and they realised the importance of being in touch with one another at all times through the use of many different communication channels.