Materials and Resources
Websites hosted by us
Welcome to the RAPCAN website!
RAPCAN (Resources Aimed at the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect) works to promote the rights and protection of children in South Africa and the region.
RAPCAN’s is committed to ensuring that the protection (nurturance) and participation (autonomy) rights of children are realised. RAPCAN works within an advocacy framework towards the realisation of a prevention-oriented child protection system, gender equality and child participation. Our work is strengthened by strategic partnerships and the participation of children. We believe in respecting diversity, dignity and the equality of all people, and providing resources to support the testing of professional, high quality, evidence-informed programmes.
NEWS... Child Rights NGOs challenge constitutionality of law that criminalises teenage sex
The Teddy Bear Clinic Laws and Resources Aimed at the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (RAPCAN) say laws that make consensual sex between teenagers a crime are unconstitutional.
NEWS...Op-ed piece: 'You can't beat violence out of our society' by Carol Bower (IOL Daily News February 8 2012)
For the entire week there has been considerable debate about the proposed banning of physical punishment of children in the home, in the press and on the airwaves.
Many people are questioning government’s right to interfere in their private lives and how they raise their children. Some have expressed fears that the prohibition of corporal punishment will criminalise parents who smack and hit their children in the name of discipline, but who really love their children and are trying to do what they think is best for them. Others are wondering how government can contemplate such a step in our violent society - surely, they reason, we need to increase physical punishment of children to reduce this violence?
IOL Daily News, February 8 2012
NEWS... RAPCAN releases domestic violence study
RAPCAN released its domestic violence study “Service responses to co-victimisation of mother and child: Missed opportunities in the prevention of domestic violence: Experiences from South Africa”. It has been shared with study respondents from Stellenbosch last week and with Cala, Eastern Cape respondents today. An advocacy process/launch for lobbying purposes is also being planned.
PRESS RELEASE... Police need to be put in the hot seat on crimes against women and children
Shukumisa Campaign Press Release (PDF)
NEWS... RAPCAN celebrates 20-plus years of promoting children's rights!
The work of RAPCAN is being covered in the Mail & Guardian of 20 November 2009 (pages 25-26) and commemorates this special event.
These articles share an overview of our work.
Taking over the reigns
Engaging the process
Getting schools on the team
Protecting the children