Members of the police’s Family Violence and Child Protection Unit (FCS), under the leadership of the head of the Ermelo FCS unit, Lt J Mahlangu, recently visited schools in Ermelo and rural areas to inform learners of their rights as children.
The campaign was held as part of Child Protection Week and also involved social workers and members of the Thuthuzela Care Centre.
“All too often we hear about children who have been abused and mistreated in the most horrific ways or simply being denied their basic rights. Our aim is to make children aware of the fact that they are human beings and, just like any other person, they have the right to be protected from abuse and ill-treatment,” said Lt Mahlangu.
The main focus of the campaign was to sensitise learners to be aware of sexual abuse and molestation and to exercise their rights in reporting such crimes, irrespective of who the perpetrators may be.
They were also, however, made aware of the dire consequences of making false accusations and implicating people simply because they do not like the person.
For more information and tips on how to protect oneself visit the SAPS website.
