Teachers need abuse response training: Experts

The Teddy Bear Clinic for Abused Children says teachers to need to be trained on how respond when scholars report abuse at home and how to see the signs.

The foundation’s clinical director Dr Shaheda Omar says it’s important for teachers to have these skills as scholars usually confide in them, with the hope that they will get assistance.

Dr Omar’s remarks come in the wake of reports that slain 11-year-old Jayden-Lee Meek had confided in his schoolteachers about being abused at home.

The little boy’s mother, Tiffany, appeared in the Roodepoort Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday in connection with the little boy’s murder.

Dr Omar says sometimes the signs of abuse can be subtle, which is why teachers must be equipped with the necessary skills, and know where to report such cases.

Child protection organisation, Association for Child Welfare and Victim Support (ACWVS), says teachers are among the professionals who are mandated by the Children’s Act (section 110) to report suspected cases of abuse.

ACWVS’ National Manager, Nicolette van der Walt, says schools must also always ensure that they have the prescribed Form 22 form, which is used to report child abuse and neglect under the Children’s Act.

Van der Walt says there are procedures in place to address cases received from schools, hospitals and doctors, among others.

The Gauteng Department of Education has visited Meek’s school, Royal College, in Roodepoort and has urged teachers to act with urgency when abuse is reported.