Benoni Rotary Club helps young victims of crime

Daily in SA, more children are experiencing violence in one form or another. These young victims of crime often have to appear in court to testify, which can be a stressful experience. In supporting victims, organisations like the Benoni Rotary Club have committed to making a difference in their lives.

The club recently donated R5 000 to the Benoni Magistrate’s Court to help feed the children who has to be at court.

According to president Annie Steijn, they took the children’s court under their wing as a project because many of their members are lawyers.

“We have called the project Be Court Wise. The money we donated will help supply breakfast and lunch for the children while they wait because normally they come to court without having had breakfast.”

Steijn said they had previously refurbished the room where the children wait.

“The room where they wait was equipped with a TV, blackboard, couch, small table, chairs, books and toys.

“We also fitted durable rubber flooring in all the rooms and painted them. We also supply knitted teddy bears for each child to take home. Sometimes, this is the only thing they can call their own. The teddy bears are knitted for us by the elderly at Rynpark Retirement Estate.”

Hungry Benoni’s regional magistrate, Ian Cox, thanked them for the donation. “We are pleased with the continued monetary support. The money will be used to buy the children some food while they are at court.

We believe it improves the quality of the evidence the child gives because a hungry child concentrates more on their empty stomach than what is required.” Shedding light on the difference between regional courts and children’s courts, Cox said regional courts deal with criminal matters where children are victims of crime and where they are in conflict with the law, like offenders or accused.

“Children’s courts resort under the Family Law section, which deals with adoption, rights of care and contact, children in need of care, placing children in places of safety and more.”

According to the magistrate, child-friendly courts are vital. He said the child justice court is where juvenile offenders are dealt with per the Child Justice Act. Painting a picture of what happens before a child testifies, Cox said children under 18 generally consult with the court preparation officer before testifying in court.

“The officer has a facility which looks like the inside of a court. She then explains the roles of the various role players in a court setup and the processes followed.”

Protect The magistrate said child witnesses are kept in a separate child-friendly room with soft toys and a TV to relax before testifying.

“There, they are introduced to a person who will act as an intermediary between the prosecutor, legal representative and the magistrate once the child testifies.”

The public is advised to approach the courts directly to apply for domestic violence interdicts and harassment orders. Anyone interested in contributing to the project’s sustainability can call Steijn on 082 550 0806 or 011 425 3205 during office hours.

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