A silent demonstration was held by various members of the community on Saturday May 25, in support of Child Protection Week, marked from today, Wednesday May 29 to Sunday June 5.
Grassy Park Community Police Forum (CPF), together with Grassy Park SAPS, Youth Desk, Junior Core Commissions, The Salvation Army and Lotus River, Ottery, Grassy Park (LOGRA) civic association were stationed at strategic points in the greater Grassy Park area.
Nicole Jacobus, deputy chairperson of Grassy Park CPF, said the demonstration was to draw attention to the responsibility of caring for children.
“Children have become the target of unscrupulous people who exploit them for nefarious activities. The saying goes that it takes a village to raise a child and we are saying that it needs a village to protect the child because ‘your child is my child and my child is your child’.”
Ms Jacobus said everybody in the community has a role to play in protecting children. “Children are often seen unsupervised on the streets. This can no longer continue in the face of kidnapping and people hurting our children. We call on our community and parents especially to take every precaution to keep our children out of harm’s way.”
Ms Jacobus appealed to parents to have a “ready ear” when their child is speaking.
“Sometimes they say things and draw your attention by their body language. Listen when your child is hurting. Pay attention also to the children in our communities. Sometimes children act out because of neglect and their concerns being ignored. Children must be heard and not hurt.
“We encourage children to speak out and not be afraid. Don’t let abuse go unnoticed and unchallenged. There are people and institutions available to assist. Speak out,” said Ms Jacobus.
Philip Bam, spokesperson for LOGRA, said children must get the correct guidance.
“Children have to contend with reckless and dangerous people who prey on them. Our children need to avoid strangers and raise an alarm if approached by a stranger. Stranger danger should be the watchword.”