4.1 Civil protection orders
4.1.1 Are there civil protection orders available to victims of domestic abuse?
No. Civil protection orders are not available to victims of domestic abuse in Cameroon. Domestic abuse/violence is not recognized as a specific crime in Cameroon and protective/safety orders are not available to victims.
Victims would have to file a complaint against the abuser under the assault provisions of the Cameroonian Penal Code: Article 277 (grievous harm); Article 279 (assault occasioning grievous harm); Article 280 (simple harm); Article 281 (slight harm); Article 338 (assault on a woman with a child); or Article 350 (assault on children). Rape (Article 296), forced marriage (Article 356) and abuse in respect of a "bride price" (Article 357) are also offenses under the Cameroonian Penal Code.
Domestic abuse is seen as a private matter by law enforcement agencies in Cameroon. Even if a case proceeds to court (it is reported that few cases reach this stage), judges generally accept that a man has "disciplinary rights" over his wife. It is also reported that while the state operates helplines for victims, no shelters are available for victims.
4.1.2 Who can petition for civil protection orders?
4.1.3 Are there temporary custody of a child or child support orders?
No. Civil protection orders are not available.
4.1.4 Is there a provision to order the abuser to move out or stay away from places that the victims frequent?
No. Civil protection orders are not available.
4.1.5 Are there any other types of emergency, preventive and civil protection orders?
No. Civil protection orders are not available.
4.1.6 Can these orders be requested by direct or indirect victims or legal representatives in children's cases?
4.1.7 Are there different types of civil protection orders, e.g., for a short- term period?
No. Civil protection orders are not available.
4.1.8 Are ex parte orders permitted without the aggressor being present?
No. Civil protection orders are not available.
4.1.9 Do emergency orders also extend protection for abuse and intimidation to family members of the victim?
N/A. Civil protection orders are not available.
4.1.10 How long do the orders last?
N/A. Civil protection orders are not available.
4.1.11 Please provide any data or hyperlinks to government or NGO websites that include information on how often civil protection orders are issued, and any relevant demographics information, e.g., police reports, convictions, etc.
Between 2006 and 2008, 3,680 cases of physical violence against women (including domestic violence) and 2,500 cases of psychological violence were recorded by the government's services. There are no statistics on how many of those cases resulted in prosecution or conviction.
4.2 Steps for receiving a protective order
4.2.1 What documentation is needed to obtain a civil protection order?
N/A. Civil protection orders are not available.
4.2.2 Does the victim need to attend a hearing?
N/A. Civil protection orders are not available.
4.2.3 Can you request remedies?
N/A. Civil protection orders are not available.
4.2.4 Are there time limits?
N/A. Civil protection orders are not available.
4.2.5 Are there different rules in emergencies?
N/A. Civil protection orders are not available.
4.3.1 What discretion does a judge have in granting a civil protection order or other protective orders?
N/A. Civil protection orders are not available. However, if a criminal prosecution proceeds to court, judges generally accept that a man has "disciplinary rights" over his wife.
4.3.2 Are there age limits on who can obtain orders?
N/A. Civil protection orders are not available.
4.4 Restitution and remedies available to victims
4.4.1 Can victims obtain reimbursement for costs and restitution paid?
4.4.2 Can they recover wages and profits lost?
4.4.3 Is a separate civil process required?
