Bobbi Bear decries sharing of child abuse footage

A VIDEO circulating on social media platforms pushed Operation Bobbi Bear’s Eureka Olivier to clarify the repercussions of being in possession of or distributing footage that shows a child being abused, even if one’s intentions are good.

“There was a very disturbing video being circulated on social media and WhatsApp of a little girl being abused,” explained Olivier. “Be aware that this is illegal and anyone forwarding or being in possession of any images of children of any sexual nature will be charged under the Child Pornography Act.”

Olivier went on to explain that ‘possession’ means having any video or image of this nature on your cellphone. The minute you forward such an image to your friends or family it becomes ‘distribution’, regardless of your intentions.

“Also remember what it will do to this little girl to have her face exposed everywhere. What about her safety when the wrong people recognise her? There are special cyber crime units that work with this daily,” reminded Olivier.

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“I think a lot of community members really care and were hoping that someone would recognise the little girl and get her the help she so desperately needs. As caring humans I think we tend to get so desperate to help that we don’t sometimes realise the serious legal implications of our actions. We at Bobbi Bear are just as frantic over this little girl.”

To contact Operation Bobbi Bear, call 031-903-2424. Visit Operation Bobbi Bear on Facebook to keep up to date with the organisation’s great work.