Despite the heavy down pours on Thursday 6 June, locals and representitives of organisations came out in their numbers to celebrate and commemorate the 12th annual Child Protection Service.
Hosted by Safeline Child Abuse Treatment and Prevention Centre at the Christ the Mediator Anglican Church in Portlands, the annual service brings to light the plight of children who have died, suffered and are suffering at the hands of violence and abuse.
Rochelle Philander, Safeline director, says the organisation, which had its official start in Hanover Park in 1988, has programmes in Athlone, Grassy Park, Delft and Mitchells Plain.
Representatives
Along with parishoners of the church, visitors included representatives of the National Prosecuting Authority, Thuthuzela Centre, police, senior clubs, Mizpah Educare, community policing forum and safety volunteers and organisations such as the Network Opposing Abuse and the local network of care.
READ: Combatting child abuse: Safeline leads advocacy during Child Protection Week
Attendees wore green ribbons and participated in the candle ceremony, while also praying for children and entities fighting the scourge of violence and abuse.
Philander says: “We have a group of social workers who render counselling to children as young as two years old, up to 18 years old. As important is our awareness programmes.”
With school holidays coming up, Philander says it is more important to teach children how to keep continue to keep safe and report when something has happened.
- Safeline offers services to children aged two to 18. Contact them on 021 705 2147 or tollfree on 080 003 5553.
