Childline launches new website to continue helping children in need
Child Protection Week is held from May 27 to June 1.
As part of the Child Protection Week, Childline Gauteng and their probono partners Net#workBBDO, Amorphous, Saranne Meyersfeld, E2 and Majestic3 have launched a new website.
This site contains pertinent information on the overwhelming psycho-social problems facing families.
Childline Gauteng, founded in 1987, has been at the forefront of helping children to deal with their problems, which include all forms of abuse, bullying, neglect, family relationships, challenges at schools, substance abuse, sexuality, HIV and teen pregnancy, trauma, mental and physical health issues, and poverty.
According to Lynne Cawood, director of Childline, they have a deep understanding of the issues based on their engagement with communities.
“We also have the ability to guide families through the above challenges. Despite our best efforts to create of family-friendly society, we are still experiencing extreme trauma,” said Cawood.
She said the SAPS statistics report 2.2 million crimes, many of them violent which children carry in their awareness.
“The Optimus Study (2016) found 35.4 per cent of boys and girls experience some form of sexual abuse, 34.8 per cent physical abuse, 26.1 per cent emotional abuse, 15.1 per cent neglect, and 42 per cent are exposed to or experience violence.
“The aim of Childline Gauteng website is to provide pertinent information to those in distress, with an invitation to call our 24/7 toll-free helpline where professional telephonic counselling is available in all official languages and also French.
“South Africa is a country in crisis and the transition from an autocracy to a human rights-based democracy has not yet stabilised. Together with our partners, the media and communities, Childline can help children and families create a better future.”
Need help? Contact Childline on 08000 55 555 or visit www.childlinegauteng.co.za