Childline
Childline is an effective non-profit organisation that works collectively to protect children from all forms of violence and to create a culture of children's rights in South Africa.
The toll-free crisis telephone counseling line deals with hundreds of queries from children and adults. The line, which provides an invaluable educative service, receives calls relating to a wide variety of issues and problems including:
- Abuse (physical, emotional, sexual)
- Child Pornography
- Abuse at school by educators
- Abandonment
- HIV/AIDS
- Relationship problems (peers, parents, teachers)
- Sexual problems and pregnancy
- Depression and attempted suicide
- Neglect
- Financial problems
- Learning and educational problems
- Bullying and harassment
- Homelessness and begging
- Divorce, custody and access
- Sibling issues
- Loneliness
The Childline toll free number receives approximately 60000 to 90000 calls per month across all the provinces.
Aim & Structure
Childline services began in KwaZulu-Natal in 1986 in response to the very high levels of child sexual abuse which characterize South Africa. Other provincial offices developed from this date with the National Office opening on 1 August 2003.
Childline South Africa is committed through the support and capacity building of its affiliates, to
- developing appropriate social services including a 24-hour toll-free helpline and supportive therapeutic social services for children who have been victims of violence, and their families;
- education and awareness raising programmes facilitating the prevention of violence against children;
- networking to establish strategic alliances with the aim of advocating for policy changes that will facilitate good management practices for abused children;
- research into violence against children within the South African context; and
- ongoing training and development of staff members and volunteers. Childline South Africa is an affiliation of regional Childlines. Each Province in South Africa with the exception of the Northern Cape, has a regional Childline office to which the toll free line for children is directed. The National Childline Office has a coordinating and development function.
You can support their work and help them make a difference with every call.
For more information on Childline, contact them on 031 207 9108 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.childlinesa.org.za
