What do i need to file for Emotional distress
Me and my boyfriend has been together for over 4 years. He has been cheating, drinking too much, insulted me, etc. Chased me away a couple of times. We were engaged but only broken promises is what i get. We have been living together for 4 years. What rights do i have?
Category: Civil Matters, Damages
Region: South Africa, Mpumalanaga
1 Answer
Hello,
The nature of the relationship between you and your boyfriend is co-habitation. It refers to people who live together without being validly married to each other. Cohabitation is not recognised as a legal relationship by South African law. Because of this, the rights and duties that marriage confers do not apply. To answer your question, unfortunately you do not have any legal rights in terms of the relationship. Can you lay a criminal charge against him for drinking too much alcohol and cheating on you? My answer is no. However, if he assaults you, then it becomes an offence and you can go to the police station. Thank you.