Every child has the right to grow up in a warm, loving and caring environment.
The maltreatment and abuse of children ranks high in South Africa and unfortunately, violence has become commonplace in many communities. The World Health Organization defines violence as the intentional use of physical force or power that has the likelihood of resulting in injury, death, psychological harm, mal-development and deprivation.
Child maltreatment or abuse is contrary to these rights and even when parents appear to be warm and loving, a child is not always safe from abuse. The abuser comes in many shapes and sizes: it may be the biological parents, the daycare workers, a live-in companion, family friend or grandparent.
Child abuse is intentional, physical or psychological damage to a child.
Every child has the right to grow up in a warm, loving and caring environment. In fact, the South African Constitution enshrines the rights of children to be cared for with a sense of belonging and intimacy.
