A ONE-WOMAN roadshow visited 1 869 learners within the Brighton Beach policing area since 13 May.
The Three Spots roadshow, created and facilitated by Brighton Beach media officer, Captain Louise Le Roux, brought awareness of sexual violation to learners as part of the station's Child Protection Awareness Campaign.
Through homemade cardboard dolls, song and dance Captain Lollipop (Le Roux) taught learners that their bodies belonged to them, and must not be touched or hurt by people they trust and who tell them they love them.
The Three Spots roadshow, in a tasteful manner facilitates the three most prominent spots violated on a child’s body, which include breasts, private parts and the rectum. Sexual violation that occurs within the family or circle of friends is often disregarded when reports are made to parents by children. Learners were conditioned to make a second report to their teacher to ensure their violation is reported.
“It was concerning to find that approximately 81 per cent of learners were of the opinion that their bodies belonged to a male figure. Approximately 74 per cent of these indicated that their bodies belonged to their biological father, with the balance of ownership being God, grandfathers, uncles, cousins, nephews and the neighbour. Female figures such as biological mothers, grannies and sister made up seven per cent, and only 11 per cent claimed ownership of their own bodies. The majority of learners would also not believe that people who they trust, and tell them that they love them, would hurt them,” said Capt Le Roux.
During the presentation learners were also cautioned to refrain from touching each other in a hurtful or bad way in the private areas of their bodies.
Parents also received a brochure researched and developed by Capt Le Roux on child protection, which contains information for parents, guardians and caregivers on possible indicators of child abuse.
“I want to urge parents, guardians and caregivers not to reject a report of a bad or hurtful touch by their child. I recommend you take your child for a medical examination if you suspect that your child has been sexually violated. Irrespective of the medical examination be it positive or negative you should follow this up with a visit to your local police station for a consultation with an officer of The Family Violence and Sexual Offences Unit. Remember sexual violation or assault is not limited to penetration,” said Capt Le Roux.
She said teachers and principals have committed to support this crime prevention initiative on an ongoing basis.
“I would like to thank governing bodies, principals and educators for partnering with me on my one woman roadshow. The South African Police Service and The Department of Education together, through initiatives like these, strive to protect our children together,” said Capt Le Roux.
