Social workers in the Western Cape of South Africa are facing a growing crisis of violence, with one social worker being assaulted every week this year. The provincial government is proposing redefining attacks against social workers as “offences against the state” to deter perpetrators, but social workers are calling for practical measures such as private security officers to ensure their safety in the field. The issue calls for a balanced response that addresses the root causes of the attacks.
The Department of Social Development recently hosted dialogues in Houtbay to discuss the importance of positive parenting and child protection, with a particular focus on boys. These discussions took place ahead of the Child Protection Week campaign launching on 28 May 2023. During the dialogues, boys emphasized the need for counseling, education, and support for parents to learn positive parenting techniques.