The state's legal responsibility for the social reintegration of sexually abused children

Abstract

Section 28(1)(d) of the Constitution guarantees a child the right to be protected against abuse. When a child’s constitutional rights are violated by an offender by means of sexual abuse and degradation, the state has a legal responsibility to restore that right. In determining whether the state is adhering to its legal responsibility to socially reintegrate sexually abused children, the Constitution, the VEP, the Victims’ Charter, the UPVM, legislation and one-stop centres were explored. It was found that none of these programs, charters and documents places an obligation on the state. Section 39(1)(b) of the Constitution states that the court must consider international law when interpreting the Bill of Rights. The CRC, ACRWC, United Nations Declaration of Basic Principles were studied. It was found that although South Africa is a signatory to everyone, it does not adhere to the principles stated in the respected document. Section 39(1)(c) of the Constitution states that the court may consider foreign law when interpreting the Bill of Rights. The dissertation does not consist of a comparative study. Each of Canada, Australia and New Zealand’s legislation was studied relating to compensation schemes in order to determine what lessons can be drawn from the three countries. It was found that each country has a unique compensation scheme. Although South Africa can learn from the way in which these schemes are administered and funded, the schemes of the three countries are not beyond critique. South Africa can therefore also take note of the negative aspects of the compensation schemes of the three countries so as to improve on it. It was found that through a literature study the state does not adhere to its legal responsibility to socially reintegrate sexually abused children. It is recommended that the state should consider implementing a state-funded compensation scheme to assist the children that have fallen victim to sexual abuse and degradation.