DEAR Editor,-
Last week’s article regarding an 11-year-old child being raped by her father and an eight-year-old child by her relative again highlights the demons in our society.
It places the vulnerability of our children high on the agenda of social care and protective systems, with stronger policies around the rights of vulnerable children.
The stories on both these children are shocking and we will never really understand the pain and trauma endured by children caught in these situations.
The media and civil society play an important role in informing, exposing and partnering with child welfare, law enforcement agencies and the community at large. Not so long ago, a protection officer was arrested for sexual acts against children and other than good police work and media exposure, there was no real outcry from the moral protectors, religious groups or the elders of society. We must record these as a blemish on our collective conscience because it destroys all that we are trying to preach. In many instances, there is a comfortable silence because of fear and repercussions .
The role played by the neighbour again highlights the value of the extended family and I again encourage all of us to be extremely vigilant and never be afraid to expose and alert law enforcement and social services agencies about violence in any form against children. These perpetrators are not from outer space but are in many instances from the very homes, schools, religious institutions and the very places where children are meant to be protected.
Parents must also keep a watchful eye on social media and the gadgets they spoil their children with, such as tablets, mobile phones, and the unsupervised use of the internet. Sinister forces, depraved minds and dysfunctional values are preying on our children because we are too busy chasing our own tails while children are left to their own toys.
I further urge all our churches, temples and mosques to support every effort and take a very hard line against any violence against children in any form, whatever the excuse – whether both parents are working, the perpetrator is unstable, or on drugs or alcohol, or is the breadwinner. My experience is that, in many instances, sexual violence is swept under the carpet to hide the shame, at the expense of our children. Let us be there for all children and let us support all those who are involved in creating a better life for children.
REV DANNY CHETTY
Practical Ministries South Africa
* Rev Chetty is a former director of ChildrenFirst; former chairman of The Goldstone Commission on violence against children, as well as Global Rights of the Child.
