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Onah Attorneys Inc • Johannesburg
Domestic Violence Attorneys – Urgent Protection Orders, Same Week
If you or your children are in danger, the law can act fast — an interim protection order can be granted the same day you apply. Our attorneys obtain protection orders under the Domestic Violence Act, harassment orders against stalkers and abusers outside domestic relationships, and also defend clients against false or tactical applications used as leverage in divorce and custody battles.
Call 011 042 8039Free Case AssessmentWhen you need domestic violence protection order
Physical, emotional, verbal or economic abuse by a partner or family member
Urgent same-day interim protection orders
Harassment or stalking by any person (Protection from Harassment Act)
Abuse via calls, messages or social media
A partner controlling finances or withholding household money
Breach of an existing protection order
Being falsely accused in a protection order application
Protection orders alongside pending divorce proceedings
How we handle your matter
Immediate assessment
We take your statement, preserve evidence — photos, messages, medical records — and identify the correct court and remedy.
Interim order
We draft and lodge the application; the magistrate can grant an interim protection order the same day, without the abuser present.
Service & warrant
The order is served by police or sheriff, with a suspended warrant of arrest that activates immediately on breach.
Return date hearing
We argue the confirmation hearing where the respondent can oppose — preparation here decides whether the order becomes final.
Breach enforcement
If the order is breached, we ensure the warrant is executed and criminal charges follow.
Fees — transparent, agreed upfront
Urgent protection order work is quoted as a bounded fixed fee for the application and return date. Court fees for protection orders themselves are minimal — the Act is built for access.
Key legislation:
- Domestic Violence Act 116 of 1998
- Protection from Harassment Act 17 of 2011
Frequently asked questions
How quickly can I get a protection order?
An interim protection order can be granted the same day you apply at the Magistrates’ Court, before the abuser is even notified. It takes effect once served.
What counts as domestic violence under South African law?
Far more than assault: emotional, verbal, psychological and economic abuse, intimidation, harassment, stalking, damage to property and controlling behaviour all qualify under the Domestic Violence Act.
Does the abuser have to live with me?
No. The Act covers spouses, ex-partners, family members, co-parents and anyone you shared a residence with. For strangers or colleagues, the Protection from Harassment Act applies.
What happens if the protection order is breached?
Breach is a criminal offence. The suspended warrant of arrest is executed and the abuser faces arrest and prosecution — up to five years’ imprisonment.
Can a protection order be used against me falsely?
Unfortunately yes, especially in custody disputes. We defend respondents at the return date, cross-examine the applicant’s version and get baseless orders discharged.
Will a protection order affect the abuser’s firearm?
Yes. The court can order the immediate seizure of firearms and the order is reported to the Central Firearms Registry.
Speak to an Attorney Today
Get straight answers about domestic violence protection order from a firm that fights to win. First consultation — no obligation, full confidentiality.
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