Security a concern for girls at school
ALEXANDRA - An NPO is urging for a policy on sexual abuse for schools to help stamp out the abuse which impacts the performance of girls.
An NPO is motivating for a policy against sexual abuse in schools to help improve the performance of girls in class.
This issue was highlighted by Agisanang Domestic Abuse Prevention and Training (Adapt) which, from its work with primary and secondary schools, deals with cases of abuse that leave girls traumatised and unable to perform optimally.
Adapt’s Irene Khumalo said sexual violence, including rape, was of concern at schools and reflected the nature of the Alex community. “This challenge should be contextualised and taken as part of the overall work required to create humane and peaceful living conditions for Alex’s residents where, currently, sexual abuse and domestic violence are negative daily features,” Khumalo said.
She said contrary to the belief about safety in schools, girls were harassed, felt insecure and were preoccupied with safety concerns in class and on the school grounds; and struggled with secondary trauma from the sexual experiences of their friends either at school or in the community.
“The education authorities and communities need to be sensitised to this concern which, in the end, impacts on the girl child’s performance and strains relationships and trust between boys and girls,” she said.
Khumalo added that the problem was also experienced by females who, despite many protective laws, were abused daily at home and in the community. “This impacts their whole life, extends to the workplace and affects the national economy from lost work hours when they have to stay home due to stress; and from medical costs incurred through treatment, counselling and support.”
She said sexual abuse impeded education and economic development and needed to be addressed as a national priority and constitutional challenge on the enforcement of equality and freedom.
Khumalo suggested that the school policy should target boys, and all men should be made to understand the negative impact of their actions on girls and women. “They should be made part of the solution… and improve their commitment to peaceful co-existence with their female counterparts.”
She added that schools also struggled with substance abuse, mainly drugs and alcohol. “Sometimes this contributes to boys and men in the community to sexually abuse women, hallucinate and engage in satanic rituals.”
A school policy would also compliment other laws on sexual offences, domestic violence, customary marriages and maintenance.
Khumalo urged both girls and boys who needed help to address their emotional and trauma challenges to seek Adapt’s advice and support.
Details: Adapt 011 885 3305.
