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The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children is an annual global campaign
from 25 November 2024 to 10 December 2024.
This year’s theme is "30 Years of Advancing Collective Action to End Violence Against Women and Children".
The campaign seeks to address gender-based violence and promote positive masculinity, gender equity,
and economic opportunities for women and children.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2024 INCLUDE:
The campaign kicked off on 25 November 2024, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and concludes on Human Rights Day on 10 December 2024.
Activities will involve government bodies, civil society organisations, and private sector partnerships to foster community dialogues and outreach programs.
Please refer to our own partnership with "GOSA GIRLS OF FIRE": https://www.mikebolhuis.co.za/post/project-sss-partners-with-gosa-girls-on-fire-in-protecting-and-empowering-women-16-days-of-acti
The South African government incorporates the campaign into its broader 365 Days of Activism program, emphasising year-round interventions to combat gender-based violence and femicide.
The campaign calls on individuals to actively:
Reject and report abuse in all forms.
Challenge harmful societal norms and cultural practices.
Promote gender equality and supportive behaviours within their communities and families.
Participate in awareness events, such as "Orange the World," where the colour orange symbolises hope for a violence-free future.
ABUSE OF CHILDREN:
South African children face physical abuse, a tragic reality that has far-reaching implications for their lives.
When a child experiences abuse during their formative years, it can have a profound impact on their physical, emotional, and psychological well-being.
Child abuse in South Africa has a long and complex history, deeply rooted in societal issues such as poverty, inequality, violence and
inadequate support from protective services.
Many incidents go unreported due to fear, stigma, or lack of access to support systems.
Alarmingly, the Childline organisation reports a rise in abuse cases linked to strained family dynamics and economic hardships.
Sexual abuse against children, including incidents of exploitation within households, remains a critical issue.
According to a report by UNICEF, South Africa has one of the highest rates of child abuse in the world, with an estimated 1 in 3 children experiencing some form of abuse in their lifetime.
Physical abuse, in particular, is a pervasive problem, with many children suffering from beatings, burns, and other forms of violence at the hands of their caregivers.
Children who are subjected to physical abuse often carry the scars of their trauma into adulthood.
The impact of abuse can manifest in a variety of ways, including low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
These individuals may struggle with trust issues, difficulty forming healthy relationships, and have a heightened risk of engaging in self-destructive behaviours such as substance abuse or self-harm.
The effects of abuse can also manifest physically, with some survivors experiencing chronic pain, injuries, and long-term health complications.
In addition to the immediate physical and emotional consequences of abuse, there are also long-term implications that can persist throughout a person's life.
Studies have shown that individuals who were abused as children are more likely to experience a range of negative outcomes, such as lower educational attainment, unemployment, poverty, and involvement in criminal behaviour.
The trauma of abuse can also impact a person's ability to navigate the challenges of adult life, leading to difficulties in maintaining stable employment, forming healthy relationships, and achieving personal fulfilment.
Despite the devastating impact of child abuse, there is hope for survivors to heal and rebuild their lives.
Therapy, counselling, and support services can play a crucial role in helping individuals process their trauma, develop coping mechanisms, and move towards a path of recovery.
Public awareness and active community involvement are essential to combatting child abuse.
Citizens are encouraged to report suspected abuse to police or child protection services.
The Gender-Based Violence Command Centre (0800 428 428) provides 24-hour assistance to victims, including children.
Recognizing red flags for child abuse within a family unit, particularly linked to gender-based violence (GBV),
is crucial for early intervention.
WARNING SIGNS:
Changes in children's behaviour are one of the earliest signs when they become withdrawn or isolated.
They might become unusually quiet, avoid family members, or seem distant from peers and trusted adults.
They might have sudden outbursts of anger or aggression that were not present before.
Or show an exaggerated fear of certain individuals, such as a parent or other household member.
Children often revert to earlier behaviours, such as bed-wetting or thumb-sucking, particularly when they have outgrown them.
Be on the lookout for physical signs such as frequent bruises, cuts, or burns that a child cannot explain or that are inconsistent with typical childhood accidents.
Persistent neglect of personal hygiene or malnourishment may also indicate neglect.
Another warning sign is a sudden drop in confidence or self-worth.
Some children will be constantly on edge, as if anticipating danger.
Abused children will have challenges focusing on tasks, often seen in their school performance declining.
Sexual abuse-specific indicators include inappropriate sexual knowledge when a child displays knowledge or behaviours inappropriate for their age.
They might also avoid physical contact and refuse to engage in physical affection or interaction, especially with specific family members.
Whenever GBV is present, vigilance is critical.
Observing or being aware of intimate partner violence in the household, as children are often secondary victims of such violence.
Caregiver reliance on alcohol or drugs can increase the likelihood of abuse and neglect.
Other red flags include when a child shows reluctance to go home.
Abused children will have frequent absences from school or a pattern of missing school, potentially to hide physical injuries or avoid abusers.
When asked, conflicting stories and explanations will be given.
Caregivers or children provide inconsistent explanations for injuries or incidents.
SSS continues to raise awareness of these signs in an effort to break the cycle of abuse
and ensure children are protected in their homes and communities.
Any suspected child abuse should be reported immediately to authorities or a trusted organisation,
such as Specialised Security Services.
For immediate threats, contact the South African Emergency number: 112 from any cellphone.
(112 is a common emergency telephone number that can be dialled free of charge to
reach emergency services (ambulance, fire and rescue, police).
EMERGENCY AND SUPPORT SERVICES FOR CHILD ABUSE:
Childline South Africa
Toll-Free: 116
Offers counselling and support for children and families experiencing abuse.
GBV Command Centre
Toll-Free: 0800 428 428
Provides 24-hour support for victims of gender-based violence, including children.
Crime Stop (SAPS)
Toll-Free: 08600 10111
Report suspected child abuse or criminal activities anonymously.
Social Development Gender-Based Violence Command Centre (SMS)
SMS: 1207867#
Allows reporting via text for those unable to call directly.
Child Welfare South Africa
General Assistance: 074 080 8315
Advocacy and support for child protection issues.
Stop Gender Violence Helpline
Toll-Free: 0800 150 150
Provides support for victims of abuse, including children.
National Human Trafficking Hotline
Toll-Free: 0800 222 777
Focused on cases where children may be victims of trafficking.
Department of Social Development
Toll-Free: 0800 60 10 11
Assists with cases involving abuse, neglect, and exploitation of children.
Specialised Security Services invites the public to the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel.
This channel is important in delivering insights into the latest crime trends, awareness, warnings and the exposure of criminals.
How to Join the WhatsApp Channel:
1. Make sure you have the latest version of WhatsApp on your device.
2. Click on the link below to join the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel:
3. Follow the prompts to join the channel.
4. Make sure you click on "Follow", then click on the "bell"-icon (🔔)
CONTACT MR MIKE BOLHUIS FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY MEASURES, PROTECTION, OR AN INVESTIGATION IF NEEDED.
ALL INFORMATION RECEIVED WILL BE TREATED IN THE STRICTEST CONFIDENTIALITY AND EVERY IDENTITY WILL BE PROTECTED.
Regards,
Mike Bolhuis
Specialist Investigators into
Serious Violent, Serious Economic Crimes & Serious Cybercrimes
PSIRA Reg. 1590364/421949
Mobile: +27 82 447 6116
E-mail: mike@mikebolhuis.co.za
Fax: 086 585 4924
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