MISSION
Operation Bobbi Bear exists to:
Rescue and uphold the rights of sexually abused children.
Minimise their risk of HIV infection.
Help them towards wholeness.
This is important because in South Africa:
· The reported cases of child sexual abuse have
increased by 400% in the past 8 - 9 years.*
· In KwaZulu-Natal it is estimated that 51% of
adults between 16 and 45 years are HIV+. Since
this is the perpetrator age group for sexual
abuse, child victims are in severe danger of
contracting HIV.
· Rape and abuse charge dockets are poorly
completed. A lack of good statements and useful
evidence means that cases are thrown out of court,
and the perpetrators of the crimes walk free.
· The child rape victims experience secondary abuse
when giving evidence and being medically examined.
· The ongoing care for child abuse victims is often
inconsistent - the child becomes confused since
they are required to work with many different
adults.
OBJECTIVES
· To collaborate with and assist the criminal
justice system to ensure the rights and safety of
the child victim of sexual abuse.
· To assess HIV/AIDS risk of child victim of sexual
abuse at point-of-rescue, to intervene and to
counsel appropriately
· Applying therapeutic methods with use of Bobbi
Bear, to obtain forensic evidence to assist the
criminal justice process, within the best
interests of the child
· To empower and train local communities to collaborate with the criminal justice system, to ensure the rights and safety of child (Preventative Measures)
· To empower and train Child Safety Officers locally, as prototypes for national expansion, and possible inclusion into the criminal justice system
· To equip and mobilise churches and religious communities to be trained in HIV/AIDS, Pre- and Post-Test Counselling and Positive Living/ Wellness Management Programmes, in order to offer spiritual and emotional support to child victim of sexual abuse
· To increase awareness within local communities, with the aid of Bobbi Bear as symbol against sexual abuse and HIV/AIDS
The HIV Edu-Toy Education & Awareness Programme for Children:
With the use of specially designed Edu-toys, Operation Bobbi Bear provides age appropriate HIV/AIDS education and awareness to children at local primary schools. Operation Bobbi Bear recognizes the importance of educating children about HIV/AIDS from an early age to prevent the risk of infection. In addition, Operation Bobbi Bear uses this programme to Educate teachers and school staff about sexual abuse and HIV/AIDS and to identify sexually abused children in the communities. The HIV Edu-Toy programme is also used to address racism and sexism in schools.
