Operation Bobbi Bear was founded to help children of abuse get justice while remaining comforted through the trauma of the court system.
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (16 March 2022) – We always aim to focus on the good, the wholesome and the stories that bring joy, especially because in South Africa, it can sometimes feel like there is no good to be found. Eureka Olivier has seen the worst of the worst, but every day, she strives to bring love, light and support to South Africa’s most harmed children.
Eureka manages Operation Bobbi Bear in KwaZulu-Natal. The project works with children that have been removed from places where they have been sexually abused. Bobbi Bear becomes a haven of support and protection for these children while the government seeks justice for them.
There are several Bobbi Bear centres that take in these children, including Isipingo, Doonside, Lower Illovo, two in Umlazi, Kwamakhuta, Scottburgh and Folweni.
The use of the Bobbi Bears enables the child to accurately show how they were assaulted and helps them get the justice they deserve. Due to the nature of the prosecution, bears are made to order and managed by Operation Bobbi Bear. So those wanting to offer support donations to cover the cost of the bear are welcome.
“The Bear is a very effective tool that is used when trying to get a child to explain their ordeal. Often the child is unable to verbalize their traumatic experience and they are then encouraged to draw on the Bear with a permanent marker, so as to indicate what in fact happened to them. They also use plasters to show where they are hurt. This method works extremely well and allows children of most ages, all cultures and language groups to express themselves, at a time when they feel lost for words.”
The safe houses operated by Bobbi Bear are fully self-funded and provide a home when a child is in need. The Bobbi Bear Rescue Centres are where all Bobbi Bear activities and projects are based. The centres also function as drop-in centres for counselling and operate as a community help desk for child sexual abuse support and reporting.
“Bobbi Bear should ideally only be involved with the rescued/abused/abandoned children for a period of up to 6 weeks – until such time that the child is placed in Foster Care. However, we have some children who have been in our care for up to 5 years because decent Foster Care is difficult to find. We, therefore, have a dedicated Honor Programme Manager who ensures the children placed in Foster Care are regularly monitored, checked on & never forgotten or lost in the system.”
The organisation also hosts support groups for victims of sexual abuse as well as clinics to address any health concerns. Everything the team does is done for support and justice.
While the organisation faces horrific stories on a daily basis, they rebuild hope and restore faith in those who have all but lost it. Eureka says there are many projects that people can get involved with. If you would like to show your support for this cause, you can reach out via Facebook or the website for more details.
by 