Greater Benoni Child Welfare speaks on domestic violence
In some cases, they will also be placed with foster parents or a family member would be willing to home the child for the time being.
Domestic violence has a huge impact on families, specifically children.
Vanessa Carlse, the director at the Greater Benoni Child Welfare (GBCW), highlighted how this affects children.
“It changes their behaviour, self-image, self-worth. It increases anxiety and makes them feel helpless.
“This damages their psyche, which could lead to self-mutilation or suicide.”
The GBCW is an organisation established to protect and uphold the rights of children in the community.
They advocate on behalf of the children who have been abused, neglected, abandoned or orphaned, to place them in an environment in which both their physical and emotional well-being are developed to give these children an opportunity for a better future.
Vanessa explained that an exact percentage of the number of cases they see cannot be given as in some cases domestic violence is just one of many other factors.
“Once we are made aware of a case, we act immediately in the interest of the child.”
Removal process
Once the organisation receives a call, a social worker will be allocated to the case and conduct an investigation.
Upon arrival, if the social worker sees fit, the child will be taken for a medical assessment to a district surgeon, clinic or hospital.
If the child is not safe, they will be removed immediately.
In certain cases, the abuser is removed from the home instead.
The social worker will investigate to see how the family can be assisted through counselling or parenting classes and once these interventions are successful, the child will be reunified with their family.
It could take three to five months, depending on the willingness and the ability of the guardians to get the help they need to address the cause of the abuse.
Rehoming
Places of safety are not the only options for the children.
In some cases, they will also be placed with foster parents or a family member would be willing to home the child for the time being.
Family members have to be screened before the child is placed in their care.
Where to report
Residents who feel children are in danger in their communities can contact the following child welfare organisation in their specific areas:
• Greater Benoni Child Welfare
Areas: Northmead, Morehill, Airfield, Daveyton Central, Chief Luthuli and Cloverdene
Contact 011 849 5241
• Actonville Child Welfare Society
Areas: Wattville, Actonville, Lindelani, Kingsway, Mackenzie Park and Emandleni
Contact 011 421 4879
• Department of Social Development Benoni
Areas: New Modder, Etwatwa East and West, Benoni Central, Bapsfontein, Lakefield, Rynfield, Mayfield, Zenzele, Daveyton and Brentwood Park
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