It’s a sickening fact that much child abuse is perpetrated by people closest to the child, adults who are in positions of trust: relatives, family friends, people who work with children ...

Tragically, it’s the child who suffers shame, guilt, fear, confusion – as well as physical trauma. Once-perfect and complete innocence is brutalised – crushed.

Some of these young survivors live here at the Johannesburg Children’s Home, where they receive the loving care and support they need to begin to heal.

And this means various therapies, medical attention, counselling – whatever it takes. But this also means great expense.

Child abuse is evil, devastating – and its scars run deep. More efforts are needed to widen the circle of protection around our young. This is why we welcome all measures – especially legislation* – that make it difficult for offenders to be near children.

Our children need support. Please give them yours – act right now to help the Johannesburg Children’s Home remain a lifeline to children in need.

* Section 45, Chapter 6 of the Criminal Law Amendment Act 32 of 2007 is expected to come into effect this month. Under certain circumstances, this law will prohibit employers (those whose staff deal with children or mentally disabled people) from hiring (or keeping in their employ) people who have committed sex offences against children. For more insight, visit www.labourguide.co.za