The courtroom is an unfriendly and intimidating place for an already traumatized child.  However without their vital evidence, child abusers will not face prosecution.

Children re-live the experience while appearing in court, not once, but over and over again, can easily become one very traumatic experience for the child.

Unprepared, they may give confused, inconclusive evidence, resulting in perpetrators walking free.

Purpose:

The Center aims to prevent secondary trauma for the child by preparing and supporting child-witnesses and their families, prior to, during, and after the court appearance.

Who are we?

The Center is a registered, voluntary association duly incorporated in terms of the Non-Profit Organizations Act 71/1997. 

The Center works in conjunction with officers of the criminal justice system to assist children who have been the victims of abuse or who have witnessed an act of abuse, by providing support services and preparation for appearance in court. In addition, the Center provides training and serves as a resource center for professionals and students.

Currently, The Center serves the communities of the Helderberg and Overberg areas.

While we want victims to work through their trauma and put the experience behind them, the legal system requires that they remember the experience fresh in their minds – for the duration of the trial. Unfortunately long delays are often experienced!

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About us

Testifying in court is a very stressful experience for a witness and even more so for a child.

Over the years, numerous children - victims of sexual abuse, suffered secondary and too often unnecessary trauma, while going through the legal process.