Building Trust and Breaking Silence: UOC Joins Forces with SAPS and Partners to Empower Children During National Child Protection Week

Pretoria, 3 June 2026 - One of the Helpende Hand after-school care centers, Ons Plek Derdepoort, hosted a special awareness event as part of National Child Protection week’s activities. The center invited Unchain Our Children (UOC), Helpende Hand, SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Pretoria Moot, SAPS Bureau for Missing Persons Head Office, Proshield K-9 Unit, Brinant Security and Purple Heart Ministry, affiliated with Emergency Services Chaplaincy SA (ESCSA) to engage directly with the children.

South Africa is observing National Child Protection Week from 29 May to 5 June, an annual campaign led by the Department of Social Development. The initiative raises awareness of children's constitutional rights and mobilizes communities to combat violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

This year's observance occurs against a worrying backdrop of rising child exploitation cases. Official statistics show that over 26,000 cases of child abuse and neglect were reported in the 2024/25 financial year, with sexual abuse remaining dominant. Reports of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) have also surged significantly in recent years.

The visit aimed to familiarize children with the vital work of these specialist organizations in protecting them and to build trust so they know they can confidently approach law enforcement, NPOs, and security partners when needed.

In a time of increasing exploitation, such collaborative awareness programs are essential. They empower children, reduce isolation, and strengthen community defenses against abuse.

UOC, at the forefront of child rights advocacy and anti-exploitation efforts, works closely with law enforcement agencies and like-minded partners to prioritize children's wellbeing. The interactive session highlighted each organization’s role: from specialized policing units to support services and security expertise.

Children were reminded of their rights, their special value, and the importance of speaking out. Reporting channels were shared, encouraging them to break the silence around exploitation. The Proshield Security's K-9 Unit’s service dogs particularly captivated the young audience, demonstrating the dedicated resources available to keep them safe.

“Everyone is someone’s child,” said Wayne van Onselen, Founder and Executive Director of Unchain Our Children. “Children deserve safe environments at home, at school and everywhere they go. It is our collective duty to team up in aid of children.”

The guests joined the children for lunch, creating an informal atmosphere for questions, conversations, and relationship-building. Teachers and staff also participated, reinforcing the message that protecting children is a shared societal responsibility.

Events like this underscore the power of collaboration between civil society, law enforcement, and community organizations. By fostering trust and awareness, they equip children with knowledge and confidence while sending a strong signal that perpetrators will face a united front.

Discover & Connect

Report Child Exploitation: Call UOC National Crisis Centre: 067 323 7116

Invite UOC for your next Child Protection Event: Call Wayne: 072 364 8246