Child Protection Hotline continues expansion as centre opens doors in Eersterust

The Child Protection Hotline recently expanded its reach when it opened a centre in Eersterust.

“The pandemic has seen an increase in depression and suicide among minors,” said Danie van Loggerenberg of Child Protection Hotline.

“Many parents or, in some cases, even teachers know of children who are in need.”

Van Loggerenberg said the hotline has seen a 250% increase in children contacting the various hotlines since the start of the June/July school holidays.

“The continued uncertainty for children about when life will return to some kind of normality are having devastating effects,” he said.

He said the hotline was lucky that it could launch the number on Poort FM, the Eersterust community radio station, as the country moved to an adjustment level 4 lockdown about a month ago.

The new lockdown level forced the schools to open a week later than planned and prohibited social interaction.

“We had Eersterust pencilled in as a community hotline, which was necessary from the very start.

“Covid-19 has put many restrictions on our capabilities. However, we have been fortunate to not only get the request from within the community to launch a hotline sooner but also the funding to do so,” he said.

Van Loggerenberg encouraged anyone who suspects or know of any child abuse to please contact the hotline.

“The long-term negative effect and cycle that is created or continued through child abuse are horrific.

“We want to plead to the community to do their part and report child abuse,” he said.

“Children that are bullied, whether at school or anywhere else, are also encouraged to contact the hotline.

“We will start also visiting schools now that they are open again to spread awareness on what child abuse is and how children can act against bullies.

“No child should ever feel that he or she is voiceless. We are here for you and we will continue to be here for every single child.”

Arlene Pillay, who is actively involved in the Eersterust community and who played a big role in getting the local hotline up and running, said people now know whom they can contact.

“There was a great need for the hotline in the area,” she said.

“The child has a platform where they can search for help – not only within a household but also at school when bullying might become an issue.”

The number for the Eersterust Child Protection Hotline is 079 618 9966.

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