2020 National Child Protection Week (29 May – 5 June 2020)

“There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.” – Nelson Mandela, 08 May 1995

As we enter into the 2020 National Child Protection Week, the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital (RCWMCH) in Cape Town has cautioned that it has seen a steady flow of children coming through the facility that have been victims of abuse, neglect and violence, even during the lockdown period.

“It’s too early to tell if there has been an increase in child abuse and neglect cases during lockdown,” says Carla Brown, head of Social Work at the hospital. “As a tertiary hospital, we usually see the worst cases of abuse and violence against children here and during the lockdown we know this hasn’t necessarily decreased.”

Since the start of January, the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital has seen 226 cases of child abuse, neglect and/or violence (up to 15 May 2020).

The table below indicates the Child Abuse cases presenting at RCWMCH per month:

“We have to take a hard stand for the vulnerable in our society. We call on everyone who witnesses or suspects child neglect, and / or violence against children, to please step forward and report the cases,” says Dwayne Evans, spokesperson for the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital.

“The Constitution of South Africa has made Children’s Rights a priority. Children have a right to be protected and nurtured. All of us have the responsibility to do our part in ensuring the best interest of the child. The Hospital urges all adults to be advocates for children around them,” says Dr Anita Parbhoo, medical manager.

The Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital and Western Cape Government Health welcome the appointment of the Children's Commissioner for the Western Cape, Ms Christina Nomdo. The role of the Children’s Commissioner is to give children a voice, and to explore how they experience poverty, crime and neglect, amongst others, and how these experiences impact children.

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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Stats from ChildSafe
 

https://www.gov.za/ChildProtectionWeek2020

National Child Protection Week is commemorated in the country annually to raise awareness of the rights of children as articulated in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and Children's Act (Act No. 38 of 2005).

South Africa has drafted legislation, based on the United Convention of the Rights of the Child, the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child and the Constitution.

The campaign began in 1997 and it aims to mobilise all sectors of society to ensure that children and cared for and protected. While the initiative is led by the Minister of Social Development, it is every citizen’s duty to a role in protecting children and creating a safe and secure environment for them.

Children in South Africa live in a society with a Constitution that has the highest regard for their rights and for the equality and dignity of everyone. Protecting children from violence, exploitation and abuse is not only a basic value but also an obligation clearly set out in Article 28 of the South African Constitution.

Get help

The Department of Social Development has a pilot a 24-hour call centre dedicated to provide support and counselling to victims of gender-based violence:

The toll-free number to call is 0800 428 428 (0800 GBV GBV) to speak to a social worker for assistance and counselling.

Callers can also request a social worker from the Command Centre to contact them by dialling *120*7867# (free) from any cell phone.

You can also get help at:

Childline South Africa: 0800 055 555

Child Welfare South Africa: 0861 4 CHILD (24453) / 011 452-4110 / e-mail: info@childwelfaresa.org.za