Childline raises awareness of child abuse during festive season

WHILE this time of year is traditionally a time for families, it is also a time when child abuse and neglect is rife. A live campaign performance by local activists wowed passers-by at Durban’s Suncoast Casino as they raised awareness of the scourge of neglect, abuse and violence against children.

Childline KZN joined forces with talented students from Risen Entertainment to show solidarity with victims of violence and child abuse, ahead of the Christmas long weekend. The five-minute performance encourages the youth to turn to Childline KZN if they find themselves in a crisis.

“It is important to reiterate that violence and abuse is a social issue that plagues our communities and should not only be focused on during the 16 days of activism. These issues are a constant concern and require even greater attention as we enter the festive season,” saidNomvuyo Shabangu, Childline KZN Director.

Childline KZN has noted a trend towards increases in incidents of domestic violence, abuse and child neglect during the festive season. According to the organisation, there was a spike in the number of reports of abuse and child neglect received by its crisis line during this period, which was extremely concerning.

Shabangu explained that there were several factors which contributed to domestic violence and abuse including substance abuse, the financial status of the abuser in relation to the victim or the perpetrator having been abused as a child. “We find that there are individuals who tend to over indulge during this period and this results in violence and neglect.”

“Child neglect remains a huge concern for us. You have people who become so overwhelmed by the excitement of the festive season that they neglect their responsibilities as parents,” she added.

Meanwhile, the muncipality reports that despite issuing armbands to all children who visited Durban beaches over the Christmas weekend, the city confirmed on Wednesday morning that 31 children were taken to the lost children facility at the beachfront and had to stay over and were waiting to be collected and claimed by family members.

WATCH part of the performance here: https://youtu.be/AfTbsEp_ZLA