Child Protection
Photo Credit: Supplied

FAMSA is going green for Child Protection Week and you can do the same! This is how to take a stand against child abuse in South Africa.

 

Upington, South Africa (26 May 2020) – We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in any society – a life free from violence and fear. FAMSA is inviting the public to join them from the 28th May – 5th June 2020 for Child Protection Week.

Child Protection Week is commemorated in the country annually to raise awareness of the rights of children. The campaign that began in 1997 also aims to mobilise all sectors of society to ensure the care and protection of children. 

FAMSA is committed to build and reconstruct healthy family life and that’s why we are so focused on raising awareness and protecting the rights of Children.

They are launching a new campaign for Child Protection Week; Go Green for Child Protection. They are encouraging people to paint their hand green and pose for a photo on social media.

Now more than ever it is vital to protect children. They are stuck at home, away from they eyes of people who can pick up changes in behaviour and protect them. By supporting organisations like FAMSA, you enable the protection of children and raising awareness of signs to look out for.

“With the help of the Child Protection Act we have compiled Myths, Facts, Effects, Recognition and Warning Signs regarding child abuse. 

Child abuse isn’t just about the physical black eyes or wounds. While physical abuse is shocking due to the marks it leaves, not all signs of child abuse are as obvious. Ignoring children’s needs, putting them in unsupervised, dangerous situations, exposing them to sexual situations, or making them feel worthless or stupid are also forms of child abuse and neglect—and they can leave deep, lasting scars on kids.”

Myths and facts about child abuse and neglect

  • Myth: It’s only abuse if it’s violent.

Fact: Physical abuse is just one type of child abuse. Child neglect, sexual and emotional abuse can inflict just as much damage, and since they’re not always as obvious, others are less likely to intervene.

  • Myth: Only bad people abuse their children.

Fact: Not all abusive parents or guardians intentionally harm their children. Many have been victims of abuse themselves and don’t know any other way to parent. Others may be struggling with mental health issues or substance abuse problems.

  • Myth: Abuse doesn’t happen in “good” families.

Fact: Abuse and neglect don’t only happen in poor families or bad neighbourhoods. These behaviours cross all racial, economic, and cultural lines. Sometimes, families who seem to have it all from the outside are hiding a different story behind closed doors.

  • Myth: Most child abusers are strangers.

Fact: While abuse by strangers does happen, most abusers are family members or others close to the family.

  • Myth: Abused children always grow up to be abusers.

Fact: It is true that abused children are more likely to repeat the cycle as adults, unconsciously repeating what they experienced as children. On the other hand, many adult survivors of child abuse have a strong motivation to protect their children against what they went through and become excellent parents.

FAMSA has a list of resources you can ask for to learn as much as possible about how to notice child abuse and how deal with it. You can contact them via their Website or Facebook to find out more!

 


Source: Supplied
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About the Author

Tyler Leigh Vivier is a writer for Good Things Guy.

Her passion is to spread good news across South Africa with a big focus on environmental issues, animal welfare and social upliftment. Outside of Good Things Guy, she is an avid reader and lover of tea.

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