Child Abuse: Recognising and Reporting

If a child is in danger right now: call SAPS on 10111, or 112 from a mobile. To talk to someone and report abuse, call Childline on 116.

It is frightening to suspect that a child you care about is being hurt. You may worry about being wrong, or about what happens to the family. You do not need proof to act. Your job is to keep the child safe and let trained people do the rest.

Staying safe on your phone: if someone may check your phone, read this in a private or incognito tab, clear your browser history afterwards, or use a trusted friend's phone, a work phone or a library computer.

What is happening

Child abuse is any harm done to a child under 18. It can be physical, sexual or emotional abuse, neglect, or exploitation such as child labour. Most children are harmed by someone they know, like a relative, a partner of a parent, a neighbour or a caregiver.

In South Africa the Children's Act says certain people, like teachers, nurses, doctors and social workers, must report suspected abuse. Anyone else may report too, to a social worker, SAPS or Childline. Under the Sexual Offences Act, anyone who knows that a child has been sexually abused must report it to the police. You can report in good faith without being sure.

After a report, a social worker checks on the child's safety. If needed, a child can be moved to a safe place while things are sorted out.

Signs to notice

• Injuries that are not explained, or explanations that keep changing
• Sudden fear of a person or a place
• Sexual knowledge or behaviour that is not normal for their age
• Being often hungry, dirty, left alone or kept from school
• Bedwetting, nightmares, withdrawal or aggression that is new
• The child tells you, even in bits

30-second self-check

Answer yes or no. If you answer yes to the first question, stop here and get help now: call SAPS on 10111 or Childline on 116.

• Is the child in danger right now, or living with the person who may be harming them?
• Has the child told you, or hinted, that someone is hurting them?
• Have you seen injuries that do not make sense?
• Is the child often left without food, care or supervision?
• Has the child's behaviour changed suddenly?
• Is an adult keeping the child away from school, clinics or other people?

0-1 yes: If your yes was the first question, act now. Otherwise, stay close to the child, keep noticing and talk to Childline on 116 for advice.
2-3 yes: There are real concerns here. Please talk to Childline on 116 or a social worker this week. You do not need to be certain.
4 or more yes: Please report today. Call Childline on 116, or SAPS on 10111 if the child is in danger.

What you can do next

• Today: If a child tells you, stay calm. Say "I believe you. It is not your fault. You did the right thing by telling me." Do not promise to keep it secret, and do not ask lots of questions.
• This week: Report to Childline, a social worker at the Department of Social Development, or your local police station. Write down what the child said in their words, with the date.
• This month: Stay involved. Ask the social worker how you can support the child, and make sure the child gets counselling.
• Do not confront the person you suspect. It can put the child in more danger.
• If the abuse was sexual and recent, the child should see a doctor or go to a Thuthuzela Care Centre quickly.

Your tool

Immediate Safety Check - asks a few quick questions and shows the right urgent step, including when to call SAPS or Childline.

When to get professional help

Get help as soon as you suspect abuse. Children who are harmed can heal well with safe adults and the right support. A social worker, counsellor or child psychologist can guide you.
Who can help: emergency services (SAPS), social workers, counsellors, psychologists, doctors, Legal Aid South Africa

Getting help in South Africa

• Childline (116): free, for children and adults worried about a child.
• SAPS (10111): for danger or to open a case. The Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences units (FCS) handle child abuse cases.
• Department of Social Development: social workers who investigate and protect children.
• Thuthuzela Care Centres: care for children who have been sexually abused.
• Cleared Mind 24-hour Careline (0800 212 146): support for you as a parent or caregiver.