Pretoria - The Department of Social Development has cautioned that vulnerable citizens were at risk of abuse during the festive season.
It said the country during this time experienced an increase in acts of violence against the most vulnerable – children, older persons, women and persons living with disabilities.
In this regard, minister Lindiwe Zulu urged parents and caregivers to ensure the safety of their children by knowing their whereabouts at all times. She said perpetrators preyed on vulnerable children.
In promoting the 365 days comprehensive child protection campaign, she said everyone had a responsibility to ensure children were safe and protected.
“Elder abuse is also a major cause for concern, as it comes in many different forms such as physical abuse, emotional abuse or financial abuse, and most of the time elderly abuse involves a family member.
“This must be condemned by all South Africans, as it is equivalent to the violation of fundamental human rights as entrenched in the Constitution and the Older Persons Act.”
A major contributing factor to gender-based violence, elder abuse and road accident fatalities during this time of the year, was the abuse of alcohol.
“As the Department of Social Development, it is our mandate is to develop programmes and support initiatives aimed at prevention and treatment of substance abuse,” she said.
Zulu said being responsible for the implementation of Pillar 4 of the National Strategic Plan on gender-based violence and femicide, the department would continue to strengthen communities through institutional response, care, support, and healing, to survivors and their families.
She advised everyone to remain vigilant during this time. “If you, or anyone you know is being abused, or if you suspect someone you know may need help, please contact the Gender-Based Violence Command Centre on 0800 428 428, or by sending a Please Call Me *120*7867#, or SMS Help to 31531. The centre will remain fully operational 24/7 in the festive season.”
She said this was part of building a caring society for all South Africans.
Pretoria News