Save the Children South Africa has emphasised the need for prevention programmes that focuses on protecting children’s childhoods.

The organisations CEO, Gugu Ndebele expressed a need to strengthen efforts by all sectors of society to end violence against children and called for greater investment in prevention programmes as response programmes are not effective in ending the scourge of violence in our communities.

“We need to stop being reactionary. Our emotions flare up when we hear these horrific reports of gender-based violence and brutal attacks on our children – as they should - but then, we go back to our daily lives. We need to invest in preventing these incidents from taking place, protect our children and reclaim their childhood. We have comfortably reduced the lives of children and women to hashtags instead of taking action”.

In referring to the research conducted by Save the Children South Africa in the country that framed the organisations strategy, Ndebele pointed out that over 50,000 children are victims of extreme violence each year.

Given its research findings the children’s rights organisation has prioritised ending violence against children. Since launching its five year priority campaign, Save the Children South Africa has noted that programmes with the greatest impact in reducing violence against children are those aimed at creating a stronger bond between child and primary caregiver.

“The relationship between children and their parents is key to preventing violence in our society. If we can foster a closer bond between children, particularly boy children, and their parents we will see a decrease in the violent gender-based attacks that we are witnessing today,” added Ndebele.

In November 2016 Save the Children South Africa, joined hands with the Gauteng government to reduce violence against children by focusing their efforts on prevention programmes. The partnership was born out of a costing study released by the NGO, which revealed that investment in prevention programmes is more cost effective and far more beneficial to society in the long run.

The organisation has since partnered with other government bodies, the public and civil society to curb the number of child abuse and child homicide cases.

If you would like to support the end of violence against children visit www.savethechildren.org.za or participate in the conversation on twitter @savechildrenSA 

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For more information or to set up an interview contact: Lois Moodley on 0724401519 or [email protected]

About: Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. In South Africa and around the world, we give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. We do whatever it takes for children – every day and in times of crisis – transforming their lives and the future we share.

Note to the Editor: If children are affected, we’ve got something to say. Our team of experts are available for comments, interviews and information.

For more information about the Violence Unwrapped campaign visit: violenceunwrapped.savethechildren.org.za

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