Minister Fernandez calls on society to help in fight against child abuse | Western Cape Government

News

News

Minister Fernandez calls on society to help in fight against child abuse

4 June 2020

The Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Sharna Fernandez, is appealing to each and every resident across the province, to help us in the fight against the ongoing abuse, neglect and murder of our children.

For many children, ‘staying at home’ during the lockdown does not necessarily mean being ‘safe at home’.

Minister Fernandez said: “With the high volume of child abuse cases reported, and the regulations on the sale of alcohol relaxed, there is concern that the numbers in the Province could increase, but with schools and ECD centres closed, it may go unreported.”

Minister Fernandez added: “We are also finding that children are spending more time unsupervised, both on social media and at home, which makes them vulnerable to various forms of abuse and exploitation.”

Essential child protection services to protect the safety and well-being of children continue to be of paramount importance during this unprecedented time.

For the lockdown period April – May 2020, a total number of 283 reports of child abuse were received. Safety assessments were done and where high risk was recorded, matters were taken to the children’s courts on an urgent basis.

The Thuthuzela Care Centres reported that trauma containment and legal support services were rendered to 209 children during the same reporting period. Where needed, families were referred for psychosocial support services. It may happen that a child assisted in a Thuthuzela Care Centre could form part of the category of children assisted by child protection services.

Designated social workers, who attend to emergency matters and conduct home visits have had to take precautionary health and safety steps for protection. Furthermore, due to the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, psychosocial support services were rendered telephonically.

The Department of Social Development (DSD) wishes to reiterate that parents/families play a key role in the protection of their children. Caregivers need to be vigilant and ensure that they know where their children are at all times and that they are safe.

The DSD will therefore continue to work closely with designated child protection organisations and service partners to assess risks and ensure that children at immediate risk are protected. Community-based organisations which focus on public education and raising awareness of child protection play a key role in assisting communities and caregivers to find effective ways of mitigating the increased risk of child abuse in this time.

The total budget of the provincial department of Social Development( DSD) utilised for the protection of children in 2019/20 was R228 million.

“Do not hesitate to report any instances of unduly harsh treatment of children. I ask of you to trust your instincts and talk to somebody about your concerns – a social worker, teacher, nurse or anyone else you trust and think can provide you with good advice. Get information about the child’s situation to try and confirm your suspicions. With that information you can then contact the nearest local office of the DSD or the Police,” Minister Fernandez concluded.

If you suspect a child is being abused, neglected or exposed to violence, we urge you to report it via any of the following channels:

•          the Western Cape Department of Social Development (toll-free): 0800 220 250;

•          the SAPs crime stop hotline: 10111;

•          Childline: 0861 322 322; or

•          Child Welfare SA: 0861 424 453.

For more information about our other services, please refer to the Western Cape DSD’s website using the URL provided below:

https://www.westerncape.gov.za/dept/social-development.

Media Enquiries: 

Joshua Covenant Chigome

Spokesperson for the Minister of Social Development, Minister Sharna Fernandez

Tel: 021 483 9217

Email: Joshua.chigome@westerncape.gov.za­

Private Bag X9112, Cape Town, 8000

14 Queen Victoria Street, Cape Town, 8001