S urvey shines light on response to child abuse

Report notes that South African rape laws offer no special protection for children

A GLOBAL research survey about sexual violence against children released by the Economist Intelligence Unit has determined that governments, society and the private sector need to work together to reduce it.

The survey, titled: “Out of the Shadows: Shining light on the response to child sex abuse and exploitation”, looks at how 40 countries around the world have responded to the problem.

The report notes that South Africa is committed to tackling sexual violence against children and has comprehensive legislation to this end, but says the level of support for victims and resources for enforcement could be improved.

It further states that while the law lists offences against children, South African laws pertaining to rape do not offer any special protection for children.

Community leaders in Mitchells Plain, where there were a number of cases of child rapes and murders last year, said a lot still needed to be done to end the scourge. Faizel Brown from the Mitchells Crisis Forum said it the government, society and the private sector needed to work together to reduce sexual violence.

“Last year, a lot of cases of rape of women and children were reported in the community. As civil society, we cannot address the problem alone. We can only address part of the problem. The other problem we have in the communities is our children’s safety. There are no aftercare facilities for children in poor areas.

“Poor working moms cannot afford aftercare. What about the huge number of children who are not in créches? This is when these predators prey on children.

“We have also asked for the sex offender registry to be made public so that people in communities know who they are, because when these criminals get early parole, they go back to the communities. Chances are they will commit this crime again; that is what happens in many communities. We are happy some of the high-profile cases attracted big sentences, but too many still do not go to court,” he said.

The research survey adds that global campaigns to protect children have a long history and a dedicated group of committed advocates. Putting an end to sexual violence against children is also mentioned in the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

Sexual abuse and exploitation are pressing concerns for wealthy and poor countries alike. Girls are the primary victims, although cases of sexual abuse against boys are often overlooked, the survey finds.

We are happy some of the high-profile cases got big sentences. But too many cases do not go to court Faizel Brown Mitchells Crisis Forum