How To Report Abuse In South Africa

Find below is How To Report Abuse In South Africa

STEP 1: PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:

Child’s name, address, and telephone number.

Parent’s or guardian’s name and telephone numbers.

Reasons for concern, any documentation of indicators, and any relevant statements made by the child.

STEP 2:

Follow the school protocol (NB Indemnity form) and inform the designated personnel at the school. However, the reporting of abuse and neglect is mandated by law and this law supersedes school policy.

No investigation should be carried out by the school personnel at this stage or at any other time.

STEP 3:

The designated personnel should contact a Social Worker from a Child protection organization such as a Child Welfare Society or the Department of Social Development, or the Child Protection Officer of the South African Police Services. The following should be noted:

the name of the person making the call;

the name of the intake worker receiving the call;

the date and time of the call; and

the action proposed by the person to whom the abuse has been reported.

STEP 4:

The social worker (and the police in some cases) will interview the child as soon as possible.

STEP 5:

A Social Worker and/or the Police will interview the alleged abuser and sometimes family members as well.

A decision concerning the child’s safety will be made by the Social Worker at this time.

If response up is slow and particularly if the child remains at risk, the referring person should follow up until the child is safe.

STEP 6:

At the end of the investigation, the school personnel, the family or the parents and the Social Worker should meet to discuss the steps the school could take to assist the child.

Where do I report abuse in South Africa?

South African Police Services (SAPS)

LifeLine South Africa.

The Child Emergency Line.

Women and Men Against Child Abuse.

Childline South Africa.

Child Welfare South Africa.

What types of abuse must be reported in South Africa ?

Specific details vary across jurisdictions the abuse that must be reported may include neglect or financial, physical, sexual, or other types of abuse. Mandated reporters may include paid or unpaid people who have assumed full or intermittent responsibility for the care of a child, dependent adult, or elder.