Seminar addresses the fight against sexual abuse of children
NORTH RIDING – The event educated parents and the community on cybersecurity and signs to look out for should their child be a victim of sexual abuse.
The recently held Matla A Bana charity event, which was hosted by third-year University of Johannesburg students, was sighted as being an informative one that had its attendees emotional.
The students ran a campaign called #Every3Minutes and through it hosted the #Every3MinsSeminar, which was put together to educate parents on cybersecurity and the signs to look for in their children when they are being sexually abused.
The entrance fee to the event was a donation of any two items that could be used to make comfort packs given to children who have been sexually abused.
Their aim for the event, which was held in North Riding, was to get enough items to complete comfort packs for the children that report cases of sexual abuse and also educate the community about the sexual abuse of children and how to prevent it.
Parents were invited to attend the event. The students firmly believe in the saying ‘It takes a village to raise a child’, so caregivers like nannies, au pairs and teachers were welcome as they realised that these people spend a lot of time with children too.
The organisers believed that the level of trust between caregivers and children make it possible for a child to speak to them about being sexually abused or through this event, they would be able to notice the signs of an abused child.
One of the event’s organisers, Seitiri Moloi, said through the event, they were able to get more comfort pack items than they had anticipated.
“It was an informative event that left many in tears when Pulane Moloi spoke about her rape story and the signs of sexual abuse that she showed after being raped at 9 years old,” he said.
Moloi added that the issue of sexual abuse is a very big one and should not be happening to children or anyone in our society, so by being able to equip the community with the skills to prevent it then they would start to make a difference at grass root level.
“Children are meant to be loved and protected not harmed.”
He hoped that through the event people would realise the fight against the sexual abuse of children starts with them, through their vigilance and protection of children which all starts at home not only with their own children but also with other children in their society.
ALSO READ: Caregiver beats, kicks child at Juskei Park special needs school
