National Child Protection Week was commemorated in South Africa from 29 May 2022 to 05 June 2022 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).
Watch what the children at our Community Center did during this week: MCM children say “Stop Child Abuse”
Child Abuse is the physical, sexual, or emotional maltreatment or neglect of a child. It can occur in a parent’s home or any other residential setting where a parent may have responsibility for children. There are many different types of child abuse, but the most common types are physical, sexual, and emotional.
What is Child Protection?
Child protection is a broad term that encompasses the policies, procedures and practices that focus on safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
Governments, community organizations like MCM and families work together to ensure that children are not maltreated or neglected, and to prevent violence in the home. Child protection is designed to ensure that all children have the opportunity to grow up in a safe, nurturing and supportive environment.
Child protection services may include:
– legislation, policy, procedures and practices
What is Child Neglect?
Child neglect is the failure to provide the basic necessities of life for a child. This includes such things as not feeding a child, giving them a safe home, giving a child the care they need and deserve, consistently, and not giving them any type of education.
The types of neglect include physical neglect, emotional neglect, educational neglect, and medical neglect.
Physical neglect is not providing the basic necessities for a child’s health and well-being, including food, clothing,
Here is a list of 7 signs that indicate the presence of child abuse and neglect:
1. Unexplained injuries.
2. Delayed or unusual reaction to physical punishment.
3. Unexplained loss of weight or appetite.
4. Sleeping too much or too little.
5. Frequent nightmares or bed wetting.
6. Acting withdrawn, irritable, or uncomfortable around adults that are not their parent/caregiver.
7. Shown no affection for their parent/caregiver,
How to Prevent or Address the Issue of Child Abuse and Neglect in Your Community
Child abuse and neglect can include physical abuse, neglect, or sexual abuse from an adult caregiver. It can also be a form of violence against a child or adolescent.
What should I do if I’m worried about a child?
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.
Yout 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
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