Child abuse in the spotlight

NATIONAL Child Protection Week has placed the scourge of child abuse firmly into the spotlight. On the positive side, this newspaper was last week able to report on a number of convictions in local courts of sex offenders, and that magistrates issued severe penalties comprising lengthy jail terms. We thank the investigation teams and public prosecutors for securing these convictions. However, the traumatic rape and molestation of women and innocent young children – including tiny babies – continues unabated. It would appear that harsh sentences are no deterrent to these offenders, but at least they have been removed from society and the ability to inflict more harm. Child Protection Week has also highlighted the outstanding work being done by individuals and organisations who protect and serve children. During a function at Amangwe Village last week, Mfolozi Deputy Mayor Edna Ntshangase called on teachers at crèches, especially, to win the confidence of children by giving unconditional love and support. In this way, a child who is being molested, will have a ‘friend’ in whom to confide. Concerns have also come from other quarters, especially with regard to the ‘House of horrors’ child abuse trial currently taking place in Springs. A seasoned local social worker has criticised those witnesses who have belatedly come forward telling of hearing screams and other signs of abuse happening to the children. The social worker is adamant that these people are guilty – if not legally, then certainly morally – of not intervening. Even an anonymous call to the toll-free police or child help lines would have elicited action that could have prevented the trauma that will leave permanent scars on the victims. By failing to act, they in fact became ‘enablers’, allowing the abuse to continue. This raises the whole topic of ‘getting involved’ and ‘enabling’. Many believe one does not interfere in what goes on ‘next door’, little realising that silence allows the evil to continue. But we are ‘our brother’s keeper’, by virtue of being fellow human beings. Especially when that ‘brother’ is an infant or child suffering abuse that could lead to permanent psychological scarring…or even death. Speak out about child abuse.