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 delivers direct services to children and families, aimed at promoting the rights and protection of children. We also undertake training and develop resource materials with a view to strengthening the quality of work undertaken by others in relation to children and families. Our advocacy work is aimed at ensuring that legislation, policy and practice are consonant with the international children’s rights framework.
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.
Cape Times, 24/11/2011 (PDF)
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... World Day for the Prevention of Child Abuse - 19 November
Alerting governments and civil society organizations to play a more active role in the promotion of and respect for the rights of the child (article 19 and 34 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child), and contribute to the prevention of child abuse, Women's World Summit Foundation (WWSF) launched in 2000 the World Day for Prevention of Child Abuse, to be commemorated annually on 19 November in synergy with the anniversary of the International Day for the Rights of the Child (20 November) which has as its objective to be a rallying point around the issue of child abuse and the need for urgent effective prevention programmes.
NEWS... RAPCAN celebrates 20 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