Take action when your spouse abuses your child
If you suspect your child is being emotionally or physically abused by your spouse or partner, here is what you can do.
Andries Ferreira from Mad Rage Against Child Abuse and Reverend Michelle Bellion from the Sexual Assault Clinic (SAC), spoke to the Addie about the necessary step parents can take to protect their children.
“Parents complaining about the emotional or mental abuse of their child, must complete an affidavit at either the police station or the sexual assault clinic,” says Bellion.
Parents then need to take the affidavit to the family court and fill in Form Two at the Clerk of the Court where a case will be opened up in family court.
“The child and parent will be protected while the family court reads through the affidavit and sets a date for family court trial where the allegations will be discussed.”
The family court then decides if the child will be assessed and sends the child for assessment if this is decided upon.
Bellion adds that this is a free service and the complaining parent would not be charged with any costs.
When the court receives the report, they will then decide on new custodial terms where it is necessary.
“If the child still wants to see the parent in question, they must state supervised visitation in the affidavit.”
Parents who believe their child is being physically assaulted by their spouse, must collect a J88 at the nearest police station and take their child to the SAC or nearest hospital for examination.
The J88 can then be taken to the police station where a statement will be taken from the parent and an interview will be arranged with the child.
If the parent chooses, an ‘in camera’ interview can be done at the SAC who will ensure the J88 and statement will be taken to the relevant police station and a case will be opened.
A case of common assault or assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm will be opened and the SAPS will investigate the incident.
“A protection order must be sought immediately or soon thereafter from the Clerk of the Court to protect the child and complaining parent from possible retaliation,” says Bellion.
A court date will be set and the parents will be summoned to appear in court, a testimony from the child will be taken ‘in camera’ in court.
Bellion adds that if parents see behaviour changes in their child, by law they are obliged to report it.
Ferreira says parents can also contact Mad Rage Against Child Abuse by sending an email to madrage57@gmail.com where the any information is strictly confidential and private and only seen by Ferreira.
“They can also visit our website at mraca.weebly.com,” he says.
