National Child Protection Week (CPW) is commemorated in South Africa annually to raise awareness of the rights of children as articulated in the Children’s Act of 2005.

The Department of Social Development has a pilot a 24-hour call centre dedicated to provide support and counselling to victims of gender based violence:

The toll free number to call is 0800 428 428 (0800 GBV GBV) to speak to a social worker for assistance and counselling.
Callers can also request a social worker from the Command Centre to contact them by dialling *120*7867# (free) from any cell phone.

You can also get help at::
Childline South Africa: 0800 055 555
Child Welfare South Africa: 0861 4 CHILD (24453) / 011 452-4110 / e-mail: info@childwelfaresa.org.za

Green ribbon

Government urges everyone to wear the Green Ribbon during Child Protection Week to show support for promotion of the rights, care and protection of the child. The Green Ribbon was adopted by the National Child Protection Committee in 2004:

The green refers to life and growth.
By wearing the Green Ribbon it shows that you care and support Child Protection Week
The Green Ribbon lets victims and survivors know that we are united in their support.
It emphasizes the importance of partnerships to tackle child abuse, neglect and exploitation.

Millions of children around the world are in danger of abuse, neglect, exploitation and violence – at home, in school, in the community or during unforeseen emergencies. Save the Children keeps the most vulnerable children safe from harm.

Despite our sophisticated legal framework, South Africa is still marked by high levels of violence against, and exploitation of, children. Recorded levels do not accurately reflect the full extent of the problem because many cases go unreported. Violence has long-lasting consequences for children, with strong evidence of a link between childhood violence and adult mental health disorders and substance abuse.

During 2011/12:
50,688 children were victims of violent crime
793 children were murdered
12,645 children were victims of assault
25,862 children were victims of sexual offences

Resources:
South African Government – Child Protection Week 2015
Child Welfare South Africa – Child protection week
Save the Children – Child Protection
SouthAfrica.info – Child protection ‘is every adult’s duty’