Domestic Violence Act (No. 10 of 2008)

Brief Description

The Government of Botswana passed the Domestic Violence Act; No. 10 of 2008 in order to protect women who are in a domestic relationship (as defined under the Act). This Act seeks to provide survivors of domestic violence with protection. The Act empowers Courts including Customary Courts to pass an order (Section 7 of the Act prescribes orders available to applicants such as restraining order, interim order to name a few) which seeks to immediately protect applicants (victims); Section 9 (2) (b) (i) proscribes that the order shall direct a member of the Botswana Police to prohibit the respondent (the offender) from committing an act of domestic violence.

The Act covers the following areas:

Part I Preliminary

• Title and Commencement


• Interpretation


• Jurisdiction of Courts


• Lodging and Hearing of application


• Service of Documents


• Nature of Proceedings

• Application for an order


• Consideration for application


• Interim Order


• Occupation Order


• Tenancy Order


• Validity Order


• Variation and revocation of order

• Third party interest in property subject to order


• Effects of order on interest in property


• Use of furniture, household effects etc


• Rights not diminished by Act


• Appeals


• Offence and Penalty


• Register of application etc


• Regulations