Mbombo: SA needs more effort to break cycle of child abuse
Western Cape Health MEC Nomafrench Mbombo says South Africans and the government need to work together to break the cycle of child abuse in South Africa.
The MEC was speaking during her visit to the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital on Thursday.
She was reacting to reports that more than 100 children have been treated by Child Protection Services for physical abuse or neglect since the beginning of the year.
“The most important thing is identifying how we can break the cycle of child abuse but that needs the effort of the whole society and the government to ensure that our kids are protected," said Mbombo.
“More than 40% of the children treated by CPS were between the ages of one to five years. However, CPS does not solely identify abuse; it is also about identifying the children who are at risk as well as establishing interventions to promote health and safety."
Mbombo also announced a new child protection project at the hospital.
“The hospital has implemented a Child Protection Improvement Project to ensure that their services remain impactful. This will include training all hospital staff to raise awareness and improve skills needed for assessing and managing abuse.
“Developing a child protection training programme, introducing the new Philisa Child Protection Unit in order to provide a child-friendly space for enhanced examination and investigation. Integrating various services better and clarifying the pathways of care, including other role players outside of the hospital."
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