Child protection hotline launched in Villieria
“The public can report any abuse, bullying, neglect, cyberbullying, parental alienation, and help needed with substance abuse, social media, addiction or anything else, that negatively impacts a child.
The local child protection hotline recently reached a huge milestone when it launched the 100th iteration of its hotline.
Together with Warrant Officer Marinda Austin of the Villieria police station, a hotline was opened in the area last week.
Child Protection Hotline founder Danie van Loggerenberg started the hotline in 2019.
“When we launched our first child protection hotline in September 2019, our dream was to bring positive change to at least one life,” said Van Loggerenberg.
“Ten hotlines felt a lifetime away now we have launched our 100th hotline.”
He said that they had the privilege to visit some schools with the Villieria SAPS, as well as be part of the 2021 edition of their 16 Days of Activism campaign.
“We will also take part in the child protection week activities this year.
“We are very excited to continue with our passion to help children,” Van Loggerenberg said.
“The public can report any abuse, bullying, neglect, cyberbullying, parental alienation, and help needed with substance abuse, social media, addiction or anything else, that negatively impacts a child.
“We also have counsellors available should children or parents need someone to talk to,” he said.
He urged parents and teachers not to keep child abuse private.
“Please believe your child when he or she complains about bullies or when your child complains about a person touching them or sending them strange messages.
“A child’s innocence gets stolen in seconds, but it takes years to repair the damage done,” he said.
The hotline is available 24 hours per day, seven days per week via SMS, WhatsApp or phone call on 064 931 0037.
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