Take a stand and protect your child

The eThekwini SAPS Outer South cluster would like to warn parents with mentally challenged children, to be very vigilant when it comes to them and their surroundings, Rising Sun Chatsworth reports.

There seems to be a slight increase in cases of mentally challenged children, who fall victim to abuse.

The rate of sexual victimisation of mentally challenged children is serious and sometimes, it goes unnoticed because the perpetrators are often well-trusted individuals.

It could be parents, step-parents, relatives, well-respected family, friends, neighbours or teachers.

Drawing from the labelling theory that the mentally challenged have a low IQ and cannot often not communicate the crime, a majority of the perpetrators tend not to get arrested because of a lack of evidence.

Communications officer of Umlazi SAPS, Cnst GS Nyoni said parents are advised to make sure that these children are taken well care of.

Do not leave your children unattended or in the care of strangers. Check for any signs of changes in the way a child acts towards a certain person or caregiver.

Take notice of incidents where your child was perhaps comfortable, in the company of someone you trusted but are now showing signs of unease or withdrawal towards that same person.

Teach and educate them as best possible that no one is allowed to touch them inappropriately or hurt them.

Brig MVP Mgobhozi said, “Perpetrators are warned to refrain from such acts because they will be prosecuted. The Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit are working timelessly in ensuring that justice is done. It is sad that people can take advantage of the vulnerable and weak in society. It is important that we take extra care of those, who are mentally challenged and perhaps don’t have a voice or even know these things are wrong.”