26 000 kids abused a month

2003-05-25 17:09

Jo-Ann Floris

Johannesburg - The National Council for Child Welfare handles about 26 000 cases of sexual and physical abuse of children countrywide every month.

However, there may be light at the end of the tunnel. The Eye on our Children-Isolabanthwana project, that was launched in Khayelitsha in 1997, has shown such success that the project will now be extended to nine other Child Welfare offices in the country.

The project trains volunteers to be the eyes and ears of Child Welfare in their communities and to be on the lookout for any signs of child abuse.

Lynette Schreuder, director of national programmes, said volunteers are carefully selected because of the sensitive nature of their responsibilities.

Some are trained as court officials, and their duties include standing in for social workers.

Others monitor risk cases, provide information and counselling and provide shelter in their homes for traumatised children.

Child Welfare national director Andre Kallis said: "Crime against children is taking on epidemic proportions in South Africa. Tragically, 60% of the abuse takes place within the children's own homes and communities."

"These volunteers are crucial in the fight against child abuse. It is time our children are safe in their own homes," he said.

- Beeld