Help stop the cycle of abuse during child protection week
National Child Protection Week is commemorated in the country annually to raise awareness on the rights of children as articulated in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and Children's Act.
IT is every individual’s duty to stop the cycle of neglect, abuse, violence and exploitation of children. This is the overarching mandate for National Child Protection Week and a call to the public to ensure that the most vulnerable in society do not suffer abuse.
The week, which runs from 30 May to 6 June, is commemorated in the country annually to raise awareness on the rights of children as articulated in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and Children’s Act (Act No. 38 of 2005).
The campaign is led by the Department of Social Development (DSD) in partnership with key government departments and civil society organisations rendering child protection services.
For child care expert and St Monica’s Children’s Home director, Althea Govender, the week should be dedicated to increasing awareness and education on the magnitude, facts and myths of child abuse.
“Awareness is so important. Although I know it’s not possible, personally, I do not believe that this issue should only be highlighted one week in the year. The statistics in the work that we do indicate that child abuse is an ongoing issue therefore child protection should be a priority every single day.
“One of the greatest myths I’ve dealt with as a child abuse specialist throughout the years is the lesson of ‘stranger danger’, where children are often made to believe that abuse can only be committed by a stranger. Ninety-five per cent of the time the perpetrator is somebody that is known – a family member, neighbour or family friend.
“Another problematic myth is that of ‘good touch and bad touch’. A touch is a touch, end of story. At St Monica’s we’ve done away with teaching our children that because it can easily confuse the child on how to differentiate between the two. An abuse perpetrator can start out giving a child innocent hug, which can be identified as a good touch, but with time it could lead to something more than that and the perpetrator can easily confuse and manipulate the child because they gained his or her trust at the start of their interaction,” explained Govender.
She also noted that disclosure from a child who has been victimised is very difficult and requires one to be sensitive and strategic in dealing with such complex cases. “Psychology and play therapy can go a long way and can assist in helping to get the child to open up. However, this also isn’t always guaranteed.”
She shared that she doesn’t believe enough is being done to protect children in South Africa. “The courts are failing our children because we see the majority of cases thrown out due to insufficient evidence. From a police investigation point of view, there isn’t enough capacity and sometimes police officers intimidate the child further. Even in the home environment, we have seen many cases where the family doesn’t believe the child and protects the abuser because most of the time the perpetrator is someone who is known. The entire system is failing the child. Hence, the child can’t help but feel there is no point in reporting the abuse.”
The most common cases of child abuse cases that come into St Monica’s are sexual abuse and physical neglect, where the parent doesn’t have the means to provide for the child.
The non-profit and non-government residential facility is situated on the Bluff (855 Marine Drive). It offers care to vulnerable children who are admitted from the entire KZN region. These children are either orphaned, abandoned or at risk in their home environments and are placed at the home through a court of law.
“We endeavour to provide a safe and nurturing environment for vulnerable children of all races, faiths and backgrounds to empower them as valuable members of society. Our home exists to provide a loving and safe environment for the children in our care through developmental programmes, education, health care and social interaction. We conduct our activities in partnership with religious organisations, government, businesses, foundations and community stakeholders.”
Govender encourages the public to make it a point to learn about the work the origination does. “People need to take an interest and take the initiative to own worthy organisations in their community. We urge the public to go onto our website, get to know what we’re about and take the next step in getting involved. Don’t wait for Christmas or an Easter egg hunt, get involved today. Whether it’s promoting St Monica’s to the public, donating toothpaste for the month or providing a cooked meal for the children, there are various ways to support us,” she said.
To learn more about St Monica’s Children’s Home, visit their website on www.stmonicas.org.za or call 031- 468-8656.
You can also receive help by calling:
· DSD toll-free 24-hour call centre dedicated to providing support and counselling to victims of gender-based violence on 0800-428-428
· Childline South Africa on 0800-055-555
· Child Welfare South Africa on 0861-424-453, 011- 452-4110 or email: info@childwelfaresa.org.za
