The Isibindi programme also creates safe spaces in the local area where children can play and get advice and counselling. The safe park sessions are held three times a week and run by trained Child and Youth Care workers that children can confide in about issues of violence they are facing in their lives.

As an Isibindi Child and Youth Care worker explains, “Where drugs and alcohol are involved, violence is often involved. So on a Saturday morning children can come down to the safe park and feel safe. It’s also the time that we as Child and Youth Care Workers identify children in need. This is a place where you can see if a child has been abused. It’s a place where a child can feel free to come and talk to us.”

Background

In March 2013 the United Nation's Commission on the Status of Women will meet to discuss how to prevent all forms of violence against women and girls.

This International Women's Day, help demand action by sending a message to global leadersthat it's time to put a stop to this worldwide injustice.

UK aid is working in 21 countries to address physical and sexual violence against women and girls and will be supporting 10 million women and girls with improved access to security and justice services by 2015.

Find out more about how UK aid is helping to end violence against women at www.dfid.gov.uk/violence-against-women-and-girls

For more information about the Isibindi programme visit UNICEF South Africa

Pictures: Lindsay Mgbor/Department for International Development

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