In defence of children against family and community violence with a particular reference to informal settlements

Abstract

South Africa has a history of healthy child rearing based on African traditional values, before the coming of squatter camps. The aim of this article is to identify some historical values and incorporate them in future for child rearing in informal settlement. The article will also discuss the way informal settlement children are exposed to violence to which they are most defenseless. Violence refers not only to physical bodily harm, but also to its psychological and spiritual effects on children. It hampers the normal development of children to maturity. We argue that violence cannot be a foundation for children to cope into adulthood. It is a gruesome experience fuelled by lack of social and moral constraints resulting from factors such as poverty and lack of parental care. Areas like informal settlements where violence is rife deprive children of normal social, mental, physical and spiritual development. By way of discussion, intensifying campaigns against abuse will be described with a view to encouraging adults to be responsible and to take clear stand against child abuse.