Justice system should be more child friendly: Madonsela
Thuli Madonsela says the criminal justice system continues to be unaccommodating for child victims.
Madonsela addressed the launch of the Child Witness Foundation that will amplify the work of the Child Witness Institute.
For almost 20 years, the institute has been doing research and training, and assisting government with policy around the treatment of children in the justice system.
R5million is needed in the next quarter, to allow the foundation to continue assisting under-age victims of sexual violence and to help them report these crimes.
CEO Karen Muller says the justice system is harsh and children need special attention.
"That is why we are here, that's what we've been doing for 18 years. We are fighting to see that each child gets justice in the system," Muller said.
Public Protector Thuli Madonsela says many children don't report their abuse because of the shame and humiliation that comes with it.
She called for justice system to be more child friendly.
"Through the foundation's efforts and those of like-minded professionals that are involved in justice reform, particularly to ensure social justice and related responsiveness, it is my hope that, in the near future, no child will suffer the secondary trauma of victimisation experienced in the name of justice," Madonsela said.
This rape survivor was helped by the institute after she was raped at the age of six and shared her experience.