South African Professional Society on the Abuse of ...

1 Newsletter Vol. ; 2015. South African Professional Society on the Abuse of Children SAPSAC. _____. In this newsletter SAPSAC President Dr Elzette Fritz provides some feedback on SAPSAC`s recent conference and the conclusions reached. 16th Annual National Child Abuse Conference 19-21 August 2015. _____. The SAPSAC conferences are aimed to educate at the multi-disciplinary level. Po Box 1267, Menlyn Central, 0077. They provide a rare learning opportunity for professionals at all levels and in all Website: disciplines, where delegates may also learn from partners and colleagues in other Fax: 086 629 6234. E-mail: disciplines. The topics are carefully chosen to speak to all involved in handling Phone number: 012 9910718. child Abuse . The main focus of the conferences shifts annually from one profession to the next. The focus of this year's conference was amongst others on child sexual and physical Abuse litigation for the Multi-Disciplinary team.

2 We were privileged to _____. have Lawrence J Braunstein, Defense Attorney and former Prosecutor from New SAPSAC National Council York as the guest presenter. He presented several sessions during the conference as well as a training workshop on Forensic Interviewing. Hilda O'Callaghan from Dr Elzette Fritz - President Dr Sagie Naidoo Vice President Australia and Nadine van Westrhenen a candidate from the Netherlands Sharlene Botha Education were also part of the faculty. A big thank you to our local presenters and experts Prof Rudolph Zinn - Criminology Dr Johan van Graan Policing from the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and Gauteng who shared William Bird Media Carina Coetzee Legal Professions their knowledge and skills with us during the conference on a variety of topics Dr Shaheda Omar Social Work such as: childhood trauma in South Africa, trauma bonding theories, acting in the Hanl Marais - Secretary Adv Retha Meintjes Immediate Past best interest of the child and physical factors of child sexual Abuse .

3 President The South African Law Reform Commission finalized the Issue Paper on Sexual _____. Offences (Pornography and Children) and it was approved for publication by the Working Committee on 5 August 2015. Adv. Retha Meintjes SC, member of the Journal advisory committee, provided a short overview of the issue paper. The SAPSAC Child Abuse Research a South African journal CARSA. conference served as one of the first public platform for discussion of the issue paper. A copy of the press release was made available to the delegates and they Editor: Prof Michelle Ovens were requested to participate in the review of the issue paper and to forward Contact details for manuscript their comments to the SALRC before 30 November 2015. The paper and press submission: release with the review questions to be completed are available on the SAPSAC. website at Following on the 2015 conference with its focus on child Abuse and children with Page 1 of 3.

4 Disabilities, a parallel training workshop was presented on the management of children with mental health issues in alternative care facilities. CONFERENCE CONCLUSIONS. Dedicated to Advocate Retha Meintjies for her passionate leadership and the path she has carved in SAPSAC. 1. Noting the SALRC's issue paper re children and pornography including child Abuse material and the issues raised and having been informed of the ease and frequency of children accessing and being exposed to pornography and the resultant harm: we urge Government, through the work of the SALRC, to implement effective measures to protect children;. we also recognise the importance of participating in this process and will provide such input and feedback that each of us is able to, given the various disciplines involved and will disseminate the Issue Paper to relevant others. 2. Having been exposed to the world of the court and how not to assist the defense attorney on child sexual Abuse cases, we need to ask How do I know how to do what I do?

5 , across disciplines for all multi-disciplinary professionals involved in the handling of child Abuse cases: Taking heed of the relevance of courtroom psychology considering verbal and non-verbal vocabulary used in the court to present the child's case. Acknowledging the importance of accurate documentation and detailed note taking. Considering the developmental stage of child who has been abused. Take note of sensory descriptions. Forming multi-disciplinary teams and inclusive partnerships so as to obtain as much information as possible in order to present the case of the child who has been abused. Consulting with colleagues who can assist with tricky questions. Take heed of the Child sex Abuse accommodation syndrome / Rape trauma syndrome. Acknowledging that victims of sexual Abuse experience frozen fright' knowledge is required of somatic experiencing and trauma. Considering the ego's of different role players in the court room and their respective integrities.

6 Adhering to your profession's ethical guidelines and obligations. Understanding the risks of interviewer and confirmatory bias in the court. Acknowledging mistakes to the prosecutor. Consulting your notes to refresh your recollection. Adhering to the courtroom practice and engage respectfully with the judge, only answer the question asked and do not answer a question you feel unsure about. Testifying through show and tell allows for teaching in the courtroom that is interesting, descriptive and informative. Thinking before you respond and be consistent, acknowledge your area of expertise. Page 2 of 3. 3. Scrutiny is required of how we as Society treat our children realising that the large percentage of childhood mortality, begs scrutiny of the role of alcohol Abuse and traffic related injuries children not wearing safety belts. 4. Social workers working in the field of child Abuse find themselves being emotionally drained, putting them at risk of either burn-out or resigning and therefore larger numbers of social workers are required to serve in this field - both rehabilitative and in child protection services.

7 5. Advocate the expert's role in court as educator. In addition we should focus on breaking the cycle of victim- victimizer cycle which means that more focus on prevention than intervention is required. 6. Raising awareness of people of authority who are abusers. Consider consulting the state register of offenders for people holding positions where they regularly engage with children. 7. Acknowledging Shaken baby syndrome - Heeding the injuries a baby obtains when shaken. Parenting workshops, pre- and anti natal, and raising awareness in schools can emphasise preventative measures as opposed to treatment in terms of parenting. 8. Vicarious trauma of caregivers working in the field of child Abuse : It is imperative to monitor the well-being of the caregivers considering integrating cultural practices as part of the counselling/therapeutic process. 9. Developing psychological tools and practices considering the South African context 10.

8 Forensic social work needs to be recognised as a discipline, followed by sound training that is acknowledged and validated therapeutically and legally. 11. In light of the Stockholm syndrome and trauma bonding, victims need to be treated with empathy and insight regarding the complex perpetrator-victim dynamics. This needs to be recognised as a survival mechanism and integrated into training of law enforcement officials. 12. Establishing networks across disciplines is required during tertiary training courses. 13. Considering the rights of the child offender and the aims of the Child Justice Act 75 of 2008 we recognise the value of Education rather than Incarceration, where appropriate. 14. Considering victims' fear of disclosure, we should acknowledge children's need for attachment and love that can put them at risk for Abuse . 15. We celebrate the expansion of the Protective Behaviours Program in SA and support it becoming a compelled South African schools program.

9 (In 2012 Negotiations commenced to establish protective behaviours SA. To date more than 600 professionals completed Level 1 accredited training. An estimate 100 000 children have received PB (or part of PB). Compiled by: Dr Elzette Fritz with input from members of SAPSAC National Council Page 3 of 3.)