National Child Protection Week is commemorated in South Africa annually, from 28 May to 4 June, to raise awareness of the rights of children as prescribed in the Children’s Act.
However, in recent months social workers at the Tongaat Child Welfare Society have received an increase in the number of cases related to abuse and neglect. Jo Moodley, social work manager at the Tongaat Child Welfare Society, said due to the high incident rate of abuse occurring in Tongaat, it was noticed that preventative and educational awareness is urgently required. “Social workers have found that these cases possess numerous contributing factors which could have been prevented or dealt with if reported. Many parents and families have reported that they are struggling to cope with the unruly behaviour of children which may lead to physical abuse, neglect, poverty, moral degeneration and lack of supervision.”
Moodley said these factors increase the vulnerability of children and provide an opportunity for perpetrators to take advantage of them by sexually abusing them. “Healthy methods of discipline should be implemented when struggling with unruly children. Techniques such as taking away privileges, creating a routine, completion of chores and evaluation of progress assists with creating a structured home environment.” She said it is vital for a community to work together and act on issues affecting children. “The society encourages the community to get involved. It is the moral obligation of each individual to assist with preventing and reporting child abuse. Communication with children as well as neighbours through information gathering assists parents with gaining knowledge on the role-players in your child’s life and can prevent abuse.”
Tongaat Child and Family Welfare Society urged the community to be more vigilant and assist with the protection of children. “As a child protection organisation, we are seeking your assistance as parents and caregivers to prevent our children from being another statistic. We each need to reflect and instill healthy methods of discipline, love, care and attention in order to curb issues of defiant behaviour, teenage pregnancy, substance abuse and criminal activity.” Moodley is encouraging the community to wear a green ribbon during Child Protection Week, to show support towards the promotion of the rights, care and protection of the children. “Despite the best efforts of the South African government, Tongaat Child Welfare Society and civil society to protect children from abuse, neglect and exploitation, many children still remain vulnerable.” Should you have an indication that a child may be abused, neglected or at risk immediately, contact Tongaat Child Welfare Society on 032-944-1514. You may remain anonymous. Alternatively, call ChildLline on the toll-free number 08000-55555. Victims of GBV can call the GBV Command Centre toll-free number: 080-042-8428; SMS ‘help’ to 31531 or send a please- call-me to *120*7867# to receive assistance.
