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International Day for the Prevention of Child Abuse 2009
In 2001, the Women’s World Summit Foundation launched an international collaboration to mark the World Day with events and activities to unite and educate governments and societies to take action to prevent child abuse. 19 November was marked as the International Day for the Prevention of Child Abuse. This definition of abuse highlights neglect, as well as the risk of harm to a child as detrimental behaviours.
For this reason, on 19 November 2009, the Unisa Institute for Social and Health Sciences (ISHS) held a community event in Vlakfontein, during which participants were provided with information on the issues related to child abuse and neglect, and its prevention. Furthermore, focus groups discussions were held with participants, with feedback on the findings of a recent ISHS study on child safety guiding the exchange of ideas that followed.
Beginning in 2008, the ISHS, in conjunction with the Crime Violence and Injury Lead Programme of the Medical Research Council, conducted research which aimed to explore perceptions of risks to child safety within crèches in Vlakfontein and Broadlands Park in Johannesburg and Cape Town respectively. Stakeholder perceptions, as well as parents’ and crèche principals’ perceptions of childhood injuries formed part of the analysis. The study findings were utilised to inform recommendations for intervention and prevention strategies for child safety in the crèche context.
Approximately 60 community members, including parents, crèche principals and local stakeholders attended the event. Community members reflected positively on this event, and engaged actively in the focus group discussions. The topics for these included burns, falls and poisoning. Representatives from the Emergency Medical Services also offered a brief presentation about drowning risks and prevention activities.
Additionally, attendees were given lanyards to which important contact details were attached. These included telephone numbers for relevant authorities and service providers that deal with cases of abuse, neglect and injury. The United Nations Children’s Fund’s “Have fun and be safe!” guide for unintentional injury prevention was also disseminated on this day, providing attendees with a useful resource for educating children and parents alike on this important issue.
Ultimately, the day was a resounding success. The research feedback was positively received and the focus group discussions confirmed the relevance of the findings. The materials provided and stakeholder-engagement provided attendees with useful information and contacts, and attendees reflected their excitement at the avenues for action identified as a result of the event. | 
