PATCH, the Helderberg Child abuse Centre aims to support all child victims of sexual abuse in the Helderberg and strives to prevent the incidence of this horrific crime committed against innocent children. We believe that every child victim of rape or molestation is entitled to immediate crisis intervention, free professional therapy in his/her home language at a facility close to the child victim’s home, and preparation for the court case.

PATCH is a non-profit organization, managed by voluntary community members. We are registered as a Section 21 (non-profit) company, with a board of directors, to ensure continuity of our operations. We are celebrating our 13th birthday in 2005.

 

We receive a small state subsidy on salaries. All other running costs have to be met from fundraising projects convened by a small group of voluntary fundraisers, and the generosity of the people of the Helderberg.

 

PATCH (Prevention And Treatment of Child abuse in the Helderberg) specializes in the prevention and treatment of child sexual abuse and employs a unit manager, secretary, 4 social workers (therapy) and 2 community workers (prevention) to deal with all reported cases of child sexual abuse in the Helderberg.

 

Our main referral sources are the police, schools, clinics and welfare agencies. We work closely with medical staff from Hottentots Holland Hospital, where the District Surgeon examines all child victims.