'Protecting children starts at home'

“The protection of children starts at home and in the community.” This is the view of Lucinda Evans, founder of Philisa Abafazi Bethu, a non-profit organisation (NPO) working with abused women and vulnerable children in Steenberg.

- KAYLYNNE BANTOM

Evans was speaking to People's Post in the light of Child Protection Week that started on Thursday 29 May and concludes on Thursday 5 June.

National Child Protection Week is commemorated annually to raise awareness of the rights of children with the theme this year being "Working together in ending violence against children".

Evens said protecting children is everyone's responsibility.

“At home and in the communities is where the abuse happens and where its kept a secret. We don't deal with the uncle, brother or grandfather that has been molesting the children.”

Evans believes all forms of child abuse and neglect should be reported.

“A first perpetrator is an angry parent that took his or her anger out on the child. We must keep the parents responsible that refuse to get any help for a child that's bullying. That child can be helped.”

She lambasted the government who she believes fails children.

“Many cases of child sexual abuse are thrown out by the court because of the DNA backlog, and inadequate investigation.

“We need to report social workers to the Medical Health Professions Council and to the Council of Social Workers. Some social workers are not doing their work and because of this a child is in harms way.”