AS South Africa marks Child Protection Week from May 29 to June 5, child protection advocates are urging urgent justice system reforms, warning that long court delays in cases involving children deepen trauma and deny young victims proper protection.

Also read: International honour for Durban North blood donor

The call comes amid renewed global concern about child abuse and accountability following the release of the Epstein files. In SA, UNICEF reports that over 40% of children experience abuse, neglect or maltreatment.

The ReStory Foundation says the trauma often continues long after the abuse itself. Cases involving violence and sexual offences against children can take two to five years, sometimes longer, to conclude, with repeated court postponements common.

Natalie Naude, Empowerment Manager at the Foundation, said delays become “a second form of trauma” as children are forced to repeatedly relive painful experiences while waiting for justice.

“Justice delays become a second form of trauma for children,” said Naude. “Children are repeatedly required to return to court, forced to relive painful experiences and remain trapped in uncertainty while cases drag on for years. For many young survivors, healing cannot truly begin while they are still waiting for justice.”

The Foundation supports more than 500 vulnerable children in Bhambayi through counselling, support groups and court preparation. Social workers regularly witness the emotional strain prolonged legal proceedings place on children.

Social worker Simangele Mlawu said many children suffer ongoing anxiety and emotional exhaustion during lengthy court cases. She shared the story of a young girl who spent five years repeatedly returning to court after witnessing her mother’s murder.

“For many children, the court process becomes an extension of the trauma itself,” said Mlawu. “Every postponement can reopen emotional wounds and prolong feelings of fear and instability.”

The case was only finalised this week, with the perpetrator sentenced to life imprisonment and an accomplice receiving 20 years.

The Foundation said delays are especially harmful in sexual violence cases, particularly when children are removed from their homes while waiting for proceedings to end.

This year’s Child Protection Week theme, “Working Together to End Violence Against Children”, should focus not only on prevention, but also on how the justice system responds after abuse occurs, the Foundation said.

The organisation is calling on communities to support child survivors by attending court hearings, assisting affected families and advocating for faster handling of cases involving minors. It is also encouraging public awareness around the message: “Justice delayed is child protection denied.”

According to Naude, children deserve a justice system that responds with urgency, compassion and accountability, rather than one that prolongs their suffering through delays.

For more from Northglen News, follow us on Facebook ,X or  Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.

Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here