Calls to shield children from abuse as Child Protection Week begins
Local children's rights activists are calling on us to do everything we can to keep our children from harm.
Child Protection Week was launched yesterday in the Western Cape by the social development minister.
Government says over the next few days, they will reflect on the country's efforts so far in stopping violence against children.
Kingsburgh-based Operation Bobbi Bear works with sexually abused children.
Founder Jackie Branfield says our children are under siege.
"Globally it is war on children out there and I think in South Africa, because of poverty and because of all the post-traumatic stress disorder that everybody is dealing with - children are being pushed down to the lowest rung on the ladder, she said.
Glynnis Dauth founded the Bluff-based Isaiah 54 Children's Sanctuary which takes in abandoned and abused children, as well as those who are HIV positive.
She says it is a travesty the children have to deal with so much at such young ages.
"Sometimes your heart just breaks. They come in and some kids are really and truly broken. It is just such a privilege to be able to see them when they leave us they are whole again. My heart just breaks with some of the kids that come in," she said.
Listen to the full bulletin below: