Education
With reference to the reply to question 29 of 19 March 2021:
(1) Whether the “Abuse no More Protocol” is a departmental or provincial protocol;
(2) (a) how is it being implemented and (b) can a copy be made available;
(3) whether it is implemented for when learners are violated; if so, what are the relevant details;
(4) whether it is implemented for sexual harassment cases involving adult employees; if so, what are the relevant details;
(5) how many of the sexual cases, included in her reply, involve learners?
(1) Provincial.
(2) (a) Training is done with all WCED staff on how to identify and manage disclosures, and the procedures to follow in the case of child abuse, deliberate neglect and sexual offences against children.
(b) Yes, please see attached. The protocol document is also available on the WCED website.
(3) The purpose of the protocol is to:
• assist all learners who are victims or perpetrators of child abuse, deliberate neglect or any sexual offences
• prescribe an approach for educators and employees of the WCED to –
(i) identify;
(ii) intervene;
(iii) report; and
(iv) provide support
in cases of child abuse, deliberate neglect and to children who are victims of sexual offences.
Please see attached document regarding the procedures to follow.
(4) The protocol does not cover sexual harassment cases between adults – such cases are dealt with in terms of the relevant labour policies, legislation, and disciplinary processes.
(5) Between 2014/15 and 2020/21, 102 cases have involved learners.
