Use your voice to protect children
SOCIAL media now allows people exposure to a wide variety of graphic material that captures human experiences from all over the world – some good, some bad and some disgustingly ugly.
It’s probably fair to say one of the most disturbing items to have gone viral locally in recent weeks was the much-talkedabout video clip depicting a young Phoenix mother repeatedly kicking and hitting her daughter in a fit of rage as her boyfriend sits idly on a bed recording the sickening incident.
What manner of man or woman could bring themselves to inflict such a savage and sustained attack on a defenceless little child?
It is encouraging to learn that the wheels of justice have moved swiftly on this matter and that the pair have been arrested and charged with assault with intent to commit grievous bodily harm, which was later upgraded to attempted murder.
It’s entirely understandable that people in the community are enraged, but justice must be allowed to take its course.
Of more immediate concern is the recovery of the child who suffered serious injuries – including swollen legs, internal bleeding and a blood clot in the brain – and her general safety and well-being after such a traumatising experience.
Psychology and social welfare experts tell us that when children are abused by adults, they are confused by the fact that the person or persons responsible are supposed to be their protector, a person who cares for them.
We always teach our children to obey adults. How are they to react when adults, in turn, abuse them and treat them cruelly?
The incident in Phoenix is, however, not isolated.
According to Paula Barnard, national director of the humanitarian organisation, World Vision South Africa, violence against our children has reached epidemic proportions.
She warns: “Violence is interlinked and cumulative in nature; children who experience or witness violence are at an increased risk of revictimisation or perpetration later in life, and when they become parents themselves they often lack the ability to bond with their own children and are more inclined to use violence.”
It is a societal problem that will require action from a host of stakeholders. Government has excellent laws on its statutes, but it’s the enforcement of these laws and policies that are crucial.
Adults generally have a critical role to play.
They have a vote and a voice and must use these rights to ensure the safety and protection of our children.