In South Africa, May is recognised as Child Protection Month where focus is placed on children’s rights and issues of child abuse in schools, families, and communities. The Department of Health and Social Development together with key government departments, entities and stakeholders visited Tsholetsega Public School in Kagiso 1 to speak and raise awareness about child protection week which will be observed from 28 May to 4 June.
This is an ongoing initiative where different topics are covered such as bullying, human trafficking, substance abuse, sexual abuse, and other forms of abuse. Schools are encouraged to support Child Protection Week by ensuring that children do not suffer abuse through neglect, forced silence, violence, bullying, and manipulation.
Present at the event was Teddy Bear Clinic, a foundation that offers holistic, integrated services to children who have suffered abuse. They spoke about bullying and its horrendous effects. They also shared about the different services rendered to abused children.
Mogale City Local Municipality was among those who were present and supported the initiative.
Mantsho (not her real name) whose child was sexually abused said that child protection is an initiative which should be observed daily because children are violated daily in South Africa. “I didn’t know that my child was sexually abused until an event like this took place. I like these events because they really help the community. People feel safe around people like the Teddy Bear Clinic.”
Children have the right to be protected as stipulated in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and the Children’s Act (Act No. 38 of 2005). Communities are urged to take part in raising awareness about child protection because every child has the right to live free from violence, exploitation, and abuse.