Interdict with power of arrest

An interdict is a court order that tells someone not to do something. Where an interdict is granted for protection against abuse, the court can attach a power of arrest to it. This means that the police can arrest someone without a warrant if they:

• suspect that the person has broken the order
• think there is a risk of further abuse that breaks the order if they do not arrest the person

If someone breaks the order, you can ask the court to take action. The court can then find the person in contempt of court which could mean they go to jail, be given a fine, or both.