Toys For Africa launched the Olifantsfontein Child Protection Hotline on August 12 at SanRidge Shopping Centre in Midrand.
The team, which consists of lawyers, mediators and counsellors, took to the shopping centre hoping to spread the word and let members of the community know that there was help available and hope for those young members in our society who have been bruised emotionally and physically.
Danie van Loggerenberg, founder of Toys For Africa, explained that obviously with Covid-19 in mind, they just wanted to introduce the Olifantsfontein Child Protection Hotline at SanRidge, one of their trusted partners also on the Midrand Child Protection Hotline.
He explained, “This is a hotline that will cover the entire Olifantsfontein area which starts on the Tshwane side at Midstream, parts of Tembisa and Olifantsfontein as well. This is a hotline where children in the community can WhatsApp or SMS and call us 24/7.
“We will have ladies and gentlemen ready to take their call or respond and get callers the help they need. Whatever is happening, they can make contact, and we will give them a voice and definitely offer them hope.”
He added that in Covid-19 Level 3 they could not visit schools. However, once regulations permit, they would make contact to visit schools and take the police with and educate learners, parents and teachers.
Trauma counsellor Melissa Ludik explained that awareness was vital which was why they decided to reach out to people. “The number of abuse cases that go unreported put children at such a high risk of depression and suicide later in life or even becoming perpetrators themselves later on in life and that was how the cycle continued.”
Ludik added that creating awareness about a platform where children could reach out was important and this assisted those who heard about children being abused, as well as to know where to reach out to.
She concluded that they dealt with cases relating to neglect, bullying from anyone including peers, teachers and parents, as well as sexual abuse by parents, siblings, peers and teachers.
Details: To reach out for help in Olifantstontein, contact the Olifantsfontein Child Protection Hotline on 067 392 3326.
