Each member of society has a role to play in protecting children from abuse and neglect.
Children deserve society’s utmost protection from sexual predators.
Thandiwe Maseko, a social worker at the Greater Rape Intervention Programme (GRIP), is at the forefront of the fight for victims’ rights stressed that it is important for parents to be attentive to signs that their children may have been sexually abused. “Report suspicions as soon as possible to the authorities,” she urged.
“Know your children. Sometimes children act strangely and as their parents, you will be the first one to notice if something is off. Be sure to talk to them about the dangers of abuse and encourage them not to talk to strangers. Call a spade a spade," she said. “Tell your children that if someone touches you ‘here, run and come tell me’. In this day and age, we cannot hide such things from children.”
A 16-year-old took two years to work up the courage to tell her family that her uncle had raped her. Her fears were grounded because she says no one believed her. Ever since, she has been living in fear and is reminded of the incident every time she sees her uncle.
“I don’t think I will ever trust any man in my life. I see my uncle living a normal life whilst I’m drowning in depression. When I finally talked about the rape, I thought at least one person would believe me but they believe my uncle. Sometimes I feel like I am alone because in this world, nobody cares,” she added.
She says her family advised her not to open a case since it would tear the family apart.
Mpumalanga police spokesperson Sergeant Gerald Sedibe, said this is the wrong approach. He encouraged community members to report cases of abuse and rape at their nearest police station.
“We do not condone abuse in our community, whether the perpetrator is a family member or a complete stranger. You are all encouraged to report it. We must work together to end abuse in our homes and communities by doing the right thing,” he said.
Maseko confirmed that it is a big challenge for victims to speak up and report their abuse. This puts their lives at risk because abuse can quickly spiral out of control.
“We still have a lot of work to do in our communities before women and children will feel confident enough to report domestic and child abuse. Most of our women are afraid to open cases and would rather stay in an abusive relationship than admit to what is going on and seek assistance. "This is because of the sense of fear their abusers have instilled in them.”
The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children provides an important platform for GRIP to intensify its ongoing awareness efforts. Maseko said the organisation has embarked on various door-to-door campaigns to create awareness around sexual abuse and to offer their services.
“At least they are aware of what we do and can call upon us should they need our help,” she said.
GRIP assists victims of sexual abuse with counselling, acquiring transferable skills and, if they have suitable qualifications, to seek employment. Altogether the Intervention Programme has 23 care rooms across Mpumalanga – 18 at police stations and five at hospitals.
GRIP ís counselling and information line - 083 310 1321
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