What courts look for and how to build a case that holds
Saying "I feel harassed" is not enough. South
Africa's Protection from Harassment Act 17 of
2011 gives swift, practical relief outside of domestic
relationships, but it asks for one thing in return: proof of harm
(or a reasonable belief that harm may occur). Many good
applications falter because they describe upsetting conduct without
showing its impact. This article explains, in plain English, what
"harm" means, how magistrates test it, and how to
assemble evidence that persuades.
What "harassment" and "harm" mean
in practice
The Act casts a wide net over conduct: repeated messages
(including electronic), following, watching or loitering near your
home or workplace, and sending or leaving things for you to find.
It is as much about digital intrusion as it is about footsteps
outside a gate. But the key is harm – defined to
include mental, psychological, physical or economic harm. In other
words, the
