A teacher contacted the Childline KZN helpline after becoming concerned about a young child who arrived at school with bruises and marks on her body. When the teacher gently asked what had happened, the child disclosed that she had been physically assaulted by her mother.
The teacher also reported concerns about the family’s difficult living conditions and said that neighbours had witnessed the abuse.
The Childline KZN counsellor listened, gathered the relevant information and immediately referred the matter to the appropriate child protection services. The counsellor then followed up with the social worker to ensure that the referral had been received and that intervention was taking place.
The social worker subsequently visited the children and arranged to meet with their mother.
