A personal lesson in finding solutions...

Just days into the new year, several acts of violence against women and children have been reported in South Africa.
This morning we woke up to the headline news of four-year old Jasmin Lee Pretorius. She was raped and murdered by her 23-year-old uncle late last year. He shoved her little body under a bed.

People flooded the court at the court appearance yesterday, most of who were children. The National Prosecuting Authority believes it has a strong case. We are seeking the maximum sentence for the crime.

Childline, an organisation that deals with children in dangerous situations, have released the following facts about child abuse:
- One in four children in South Africa will be abused some time in their childhood.
- Just as many boys as girls under the age of 10 years are sexually abused.
- 80% of the offenders of sexual abuse are well known to, and trusted by, the child (a family member, neighbour, teacher, parent or caregiver).
- Sexual abuse usually happens in a familiar environment where the offender has complete control (his/her car, a classroom).
- If a child is believed and given the appropriate support by their parents/caregivers when the abuse is discovered, they have a positive chance of recovery.

I pray that domestic violence in South Africa, and the world, will be uprooted. I applaud all the non-profit organisations who work tirelessly to be the voices for those in need and provide safety in unsafe situations.