'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 spoke to People’s Post at the start of Child Protection Week which started on Thursday 29 May and concludes on Thursday 5 June. The week is commemorated annually to raise awareness on the rights of children with this year’s theme being “Working together in ending violence against children”.

Evans says protecting children is everyone’s responsibility.

“At home and in the communities is where the abuse happens and where it’s 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 who takes 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 for its alleged failure to protect 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.”