Police work to educate public
Local police force hands out brochures to raise awareness about child abuse.
AS part of the 16 Days of Activism and preparation for the school holidays, Brighton Beach SAPS’ ‘protect the children’ campaign kicked off on Thursday, 26 November.
Sponsored by ADT Security Services, 5,025 safety brochures were disseminated to 11 local schools.
“The brochure does not just focus on child abuse, but also includes general safety guides for children of which parents, guardians, caregivers and children are to take note of during the festive season school holidays,” said Brighton Beach SAPS communications officer, Captain Louise Le Roux, who developed the brochures.
Capt Le Roux’s concern is that children might unknowingly expose themselves to risk as they ignore rules laid down by parents who are unable to take time off work to watch their children.
Among the many tips included in the brochure were the following:
* Ensure your child knows the difference between a good touch and a bad touch.
* Encourage your child to tell you if someone has touched them in a bad or hurtful way, even if it is someone they know.
* Ensure you have a current photo of your child. This will help the police trace them should they be missing.
* Have a name list of your child’s friends, their contact details and that of their parents.
* Don’t let your child visit public toilet facilities without adult supervision.
* If a police officer asks your child to accompany them, your child must ask to see identification.
* Ensure all gates and doors at home are locked at all times.
* Make available a list of telephone numbers that can be contacted when there is an emergency.
“The project will also be extended as a public awareness campaign by means of distributing 1,000 of the child safety and information guides at local shopping malls.
Brighton Beach SAPS management thanks our partners in this 16 Days of Activism campaign – ADT Security Services and governing bodies, principals and staff of our 11 participating educational institutes,” said Capt Le Roux.
ADT Security Services’ Wiseman Shange is thanked for touring the schools and Cat Le Roux is thanked for designing and managing the campaign and her active participation.
