We must unite and do what we can to end child abuse in South Africa. Trusting your instincts and knowing what the signs are plays an important role in helping someone who may not be able to help themselves. Remember, the law is your superpower! Our Constitution is very clear on the rights, dignity and protection of children in South Africa. If we look at section 28 of the Bill of Rights, it expressly states, “Every child has the right to be protected from abuse, neglect, abuse and humiliation.” In addition, the Children Act No. 35 of 2005 further expands the rights of minors and sets out the principles for their care and protection. It is also clear about the legal obligation that parents have to educate their children in a caring and caring manner. In short, the well-being of the child must always be at the forefront! When it comes to sexual abuse, it can be any form of sexual assault or exploitation of children by parents, caregivers or strangers. These include sexually inappropriate and criminal behaviour such as rape, incest, petting and exploitation. Children need special protection because they are among the most vulnerable members of society. They depend on others – on their parents and family or on the state when they fail – for care and protection. The fact that the Bill of Rights includes a section on children does not mean that the rights set out in the other articles do not apply to them either.
The sections dealing with equality, human dignity, religion and health – as well as many others – are particularly relevant and also apply to children. The Bill of Rights is not the only tool the law uses to protect children`s rights. Laws that provide special protection to children include: To enable the sector to protect children, develop sectoral policies and report cases of violations of children`s rights In addition, Minister Gungubele said: “We all have a duty to take care of children in our society. Campaigns such as National Child Protection Week are amplified periods to raise awareness of the need for everyone in society to protect children`s rights. It puts children`s issues in the spotlight; highlights successes and identifies what still needs to be done to create a safe environment for them. We call on communities to join us, as the government alone cannot eradicate the scourge of child abuse that often occurs in homes where children should feel safe, nurtured and cared for. The government calls on all South Africans to support Child Protection Week by ensuring that the most vulnerable in society are not abused. You can also donate to charities that help abused children in South Africa.
Just visit www.charitySA.org.za for a complete list of places you can contribute to. The Children`s Bill, which was submitted to Parliament in 2003, seeks to replace the Child Custody Act 1983. It aims to provide a holistic approach to the rights of all children. Because our country is committed to protecting future generations from all forms of harm, our laws, in particular section 110 of An Act to amend the Children`s Act, stipulate that it is mandatory for persons in certain professions to report potential cases of child abuse. Specifically, it requires “any correctional officer, dentist, homeopath, immigration officer, labour inspector, lawyer, doctor, midwife, Minister of Religion, nurse, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, psychologist, religious leaders, social service professionals, social workers, speech-language pathologists, teachers, traditional health practitioners, traditional leaders or staff or volunteers in a partial care facility, point of contact or child and adolescent. Care Center” to report a possible case of child abuse, neglect or abuse. In South Africa, there is a high level of violence, abuse, exploitation and neglect of children. These children are affected emotionally and physically, with lasting psychological consequences. A recent study found that one in three girls and one in five boys in South Africa experience some form of violence before they turn 18.