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The latest crime statistics show that sexual offences in South Africa have increased by 1.8%, with the number of cases shooting up from 15 325 to 15 595 cases. However, not many Newcastillians know that 5 to 7 local girls require assistance monthly after falling pregnant due to sexual abuse according to Pastor Ronnie Naicker.
This harsh reality sees safe havens like the Samaritan Pregnancy Crisis Centre in Newcastle dealing with heart-wrenching cases. Through Pastor Ronnie Naicker of Evangelical Bible Church, who spearheads the centre, the Newcastillian – Online News educates our readers on this dark element of our community.
Pastor Naicker points out, “While we cannot house girls under the age of 18, we see girls as young as 14 years old who have fallen pregnant due to abuse. The perpetrators are either family members such as uncles and stepsiblings, or people who are close friends to the girls’ families.”
Working closely with Lifeline and Government Departments, the Samaritan Pregnancy Crisis Centre can help these children find the necessary help. Those who are 18 years of age and older will stay at the centre until they have given birth.
Pastor Naicker adds, “We work closely with the girls and their families, and where possible, we will try and reunite them. However, not all girls can go back home. This is because of the abuse, where the culprit either still lives in the same house or in the same vicinity as the child’s home.”
As a religious leader and an active member in the community, the Pastor feels the most significant contributing factors to this horrific crime are that perpetrators take advantage of the girls’ situation in life.
“No parental guidance and poverty play a role, especially when children need money and ‘blessers’ will take advantage of this.” He adds that Gender-Based Violence is also a significant problem where the victims are targeted because they are female and considered easy targets.
Through his experience, when young women come seeking assistance, many look at the possibility of going for an abortion. This is not an option for the Pastor. “I am Pro-Life, and I don’t support abortion. We will counsel girls and get them to move away from abortion and rather get them to look at other alternatives.” He highlights this involves giving the children up for adoption or handing the babies over to accredited children’s homes in Newcastle, such as Home Meah.
With scores of young girls finding themselves dealing with overwhelming obstacles and the devastating effects of abuse, Pastor Naicker encourages the community to play an active role in dealing with the situation. This can be achieved through contacting the SAPS when Newcastillians know of older men sexually abusing girls. “People can also get involved with Samaritan Pregnancy Crisis Centre by offering financial support, donating children clothing and toiletries to the women. Even coming to teach the girls and women basic life skills will help, as they have been demoralised and they can learn there is more to life than sex and abuse.”
Newcastillians who want to get involved and bring positivity to the community— can contact the centre’s house mother, Thembi on 078 862 5984 or 034 317 1253.
What are your thoughts on the issue of child abuse and teenage pregnancy in Newcastle? Do you feel abortion is the way to go? Or do you agree with the Pastor?
Share your views with us in the comment section below.
