STATISTICS
People who were abused as children are more likely to be abused as an adult: more than half of adults who were abused as children experience domestic abuse in later life.A child who is abused is more likely to abuse others as an adult therefore violence is passed down from one generation to the next. It is therefore vital to intervene early to break the intergenerational cycle of violence and abuse.
SOUTH AFRICA KEY FACTS (WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION)
DID YOU KNOW?
It is estimated that almost half of South Africa’s children have experienced some form of ill treatment.
South Africa has a higher rate than the global average of child homicides, noted by UNICEF.
Violence against women and children share common risk factors – and are likely to occur in the same households.
WHAT PUTS SOUTH AFRICAN CHILDREN AT MORE RISK
The scale of violence is so high that it has become an accepted norm, permeating the core of communities through abuse and neglect in families.
Children and young people are leading the digital uptake in South Africa, exposing them to violent material online; and potentially becoming victims of cyberbullying.
THE CONSEQUENCES
Children suffer lifelong physical and mental poor health.
As adults, children who have been abused struggle with social and occupational development leading to poor socio-economic development in communities.
A child who is abused is more likely to abuse others as an adult so that violence is passed down from one generation to the next.
THE SOLUTION
Preventing child maltreatment before it starts is possible and requires responsible intervention at many different levels of society.
Effective prevention approaches include: supporting parents, teaching positive parenting skills , and supporting laws to prohibit violent punishment.
Ongoing care of children & families can reduce the risk of maltreatment reoccurring and can minimize its consequences.