South African children experience and/or witness multiple forms of violence in the home, family, community and school, usually at the hands of someone they know. Violence affects children of all ages. Children under the age of five are most likely to be abused and killed in the home, while teenage boys are at increased risk of being killed in the context of male-on-male interpersonal violence.
1 in 3 children are victims of sexual violence and physical abuse before they reach the age of 18, whilst 12% of children report neglect and 16% report emotional abuse.
In 2013/2014, 29% (18,524) of sexual offences reported to the police were children under the age of 18 years – equating to 51 cases a day. N.B. the crime statistics do not give child-specific information every year – 2013/14 is the latest information.
The rape-murder of children is not an unusual event (1 every 3rd day).
These shocking statistics are the reality of many South African children and Government is doing all it can to make sure that children are safe especially in the home where parents and loved ones are expected to be their primary caregivers. Government has through the Children's Act availed a basket of services to make sure that every child receives care and protection.
On Sunday, Government led by the Department of Social Development - the custodians of the Children's Act - will launch Child Protection Week. This annual campaign under the theme: "Let us all Protect Children to Move South Africa Forward" seeks to raise awareness and educate society about the rights and responsibilities of Children. South Africans are encouraged to report child abuse at the 24 hour Gender Based Violence Command Centre on 0800 428 428 or *120*7867#
Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the launch of Child Protection Week planned as follows:
Date: Sunday, 28 May 2017
Time: 12h00
Venue: Langa High School Sports Grounds, Langa
Media RSVPs: Mr Jaconia Kobue on 063 249 5120 or JaconiaK@dsd.gov.za
Media Enquiries:
Ms Lumka Oliphant
Cell: 083 484 8067
E-mail:lumkao@dsd.gov.za
