“It is worrisome that we have not received many calls for help during lockdown. Children are most likely shut in with their abusers.” These were the chilling words of the founder of Bobbi Bear, Jackie Brandfield, who believes the lack of calls to the organisation is alarming.
According to Brandfield most cases of child abuse are reported to teachers or a trusted adult.
“We have received fewer cases of child abuse being reported to our organisation. Since the start of lockdown, we have not received as many reports that we usually would. It is heart breaking. Aside from being victims of abuse or rape, these children may not have proper medical care, food or proper shelter. There is a war against vulnerable children and they are locked down in the same communities with their abusers and maybe even in the same homes as them,” she said.
Before the start of lockdown, at least 100 children from impoverished areas received food through the organisation every week. The organisation continues to provide meals for them through the help of mothers from the areas, who assist with the distribution of meals.
When asked how the organisation will assist now that lockdown regulations are easing up, Brandfield said, “We want to get the Illovo Tree Clinic up and running again. Children attend the tree clinic each week with their mothers or caregivers. Many of the children have been victims of sexual abuse and have either been infected or affected by HIV and Aids. Staff and volunteers run an informal pre-school at the tree clinic each week. We know that it will be difficult to ensure that less than 50 children visit the tree clinic, but we feel it is important to have it running again. Most children are in the care of other children, their health is compromised or the parents are trying to find jobs elsewhere. We are trying to do our best to assist the children however we can.”
ALSO READ: Bobbi Bear needs donations
“We are really having a hard time trying to cope with food for the children in the house and always appreciate any donations of food, toiletries etc. for the children in care. The children at the house are doing fine and are quarantined,” she added.
To help Operation Bobbi Bear with the wonderful work it does, call 031-903-2424, email bobbibear@lantic.net or use the following bank details to donate: Bobbi Bear Fund, FNB Amanzimtoti, account number: 62018619471, branch code: 250655. To report cases of child abuse call 072-708-0095 or 072-443-2525.
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