6 articles in this issue
Antony Altbeker
Those monitoring the Domestic Violence Act generally conclude that it is poorly understood and badly implemented by officials in the criminal justice system. But a project aimed at understanding how ordinary cops police South Africa’s streets concludes th... see more
Katherine Doolan
Successful implementation of the Domestic Violence Act is impeded by the absence of specific duties and responsibilities for health sector personnel. This article considers the role that the health sector could play. Although amending the Act would be ide... see more
Anton du Plessis, Antoinette Louw
The latest official crime statistics, for the financial year 2003/04, are encouraging because they show a decrease in levels of most serious crimes, including murder, car hijacking, burglary and farm attacks. But the good news has yet to hit home for many... see more
Adèle Kirsten
On 1 January 2005 government launched the largest ever firearms amnesty. By 31 March 50,233 firearms had been surrendered. Due to public demand, the amnesty was extended to 30 June. This article assesses the impact of the first three months of the amnesty... see more
Kelley Moult
Informal justice structures are used by many women for dealing with domestic violence. Their services more closely meet the needs of women than the criminal justice system, in terms of the immediacy with which they resolve problems, their focus on mediati... see more
Lisa Vetten, Sadiyya Haffejee
A study of gang rape cases reported to police in inner-city Johannesburg in 1999 – although fairly dated – provides new insights into a disturbing pheno menon. The most striking thing about these rapes is their predatory nature. Typically, groups of men e... see more