You are not alone

Please call our 24-Hour Helpline at 021 852 6110
One of our experienced crisis workers is waiting to assist.

Do you suspect that a child has been a victim of sexual violence? Did the incident occur within 72 hours?

What to do

If so…
  • Do not wash or bath the child
  • Report to a PATCH crisis centre or your closest health facility where an assessment and forensic examination can be carried out
  • Report the incident to your closest police station
If not…
  • Report to a PATCH crisis centre for therapeutic support;
  • Report the incident to your closest police station
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24 7 Hour Helpline

Recognising the signs

The signs of sexual abuse in children can be physical and/or emotional.

Physical Signs

May Include:

  • bruising
  • bleeding
  • redness and bumps, or scabs around the mouth
  • genital or anus.
  • urinary tract infections,
  • sexually transmitted diseases, and
  • abnormal vaginal or penile discharge are also warning signs.
Emotional Signs

May include:

  • sleep disturbances
  • including nightmares
  • unusual fear of certain
  • unusual fear of certain people or places;
  • reluctance to be alone with a certain person
  • changes in mood and/or attitude;
  • lack of interest in friends, sports, or other activities
  • poor self-esteem; avoidance of relationships
  • self-mutilation or change in body perception, like thinking of self or body as dirty or bad
  • suicidal thoughts
  • regression to previously outgrown behaviors, for example bedwetting or thumb sucking
  • too “perfect” behavior or overly compliant behavior

Get in Touch!

Are you interested in learning more about PATCH Helderberg and our work?

Please send us a message using the contact form here and we will be in touch.

We look forward to hearing from you!

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