Looking after our children
2006-04-20
THE Child Witness Project was launched at the Paarl Regional Court recently, making it the sixth Sexual Offences Court in the Western Cape, in which Rapcan (Resources Aimed at the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect) have created a support service to child witnesses and their caregivers.
Testifying in court can be a traumatic experience and even more so if you are a child.
As the victims of sexual abuse children are expected to face the perpetrator in court, which is intimidating and increases the trauma experienced.
Children do not know what to expect when they come to court and therefore they are unable to live up to their potential as witnesses.
In order to make the experience more bearable the Department of Social Development together with Rapcan have created a child-friendly environment, by means of the Child Witness Project.
This includes a social worker and trained court supporters who are on duty every day to provide court preparation services to child witnesses and their caregivers.
This project aims to empower child witnesses and their caregivers with effective court preparation to decrease any secondary trauma.
The court preparation entails education about court, emotional support and imparting skills to cope.
“We are also aware that hungry and tired children are unable to be good witnesses, therefore an essential part of the service is to provide the children with meals and a safe environment where they can play and rest,” says Tasneemah Cornelissen, project leader.
While the children wait to testify (sometimes through a social worker), they are entertained and supervised and a range of games and activities are provided.
For further information, contact Tasneemah Cornelissen at 872-2548 or email tasneemah@rap can. org.za.
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