ROTARY DISTRICT 9350
INFORMATION HIGHWAY ON WOMEN AND CHILD ABUSE

MESSAGE FROM THE DISTRICT GOVERNOR AND COMMITTEE
Many clubs are involved in projects related to Women and Child Abuse, an issue which is reaching pandemic proportions in many parts of our District. PDG June and her committee are committed in a responsible and accountable way, to provide assistance to the Family of Rotary on relevant issues, needs and resources relating to the abuse of Women and Children. Those clubs not yet involved are encouraged to join the fight against this pandemic by embarking on projects related to this important issue.  Let’s Lead the Way by providing caring, protection and love for those so desperately in need.

DG Ken Howes

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MISSION STATEMENT
To provide an “Information Highway” connecting the Rotary Family in District 9350 to relevant issues, needs and resources relating to the abuse of Women and Children.

OBJECTIVES

• To create awareness of the social pandemic of abuse of women and children

• To provide a data base of club projects that could be used as a guideline by other clubs in the District 

• To provide information and contact details of relevant organizations in the field of women and child abuse

• To refer and liaise with relevant Rotary committees already established where there is common ground relating to the issue of Women and Child Abuse

• To act as an advisory structure for complaints and issues relating to Women and Child Abuse within Rotary, and to refer appropriately

GENERAL RESOURCES ON THE SA WEB
www.blaauwberg.net/cic
www.capegateway.gov.za
www.csvr.org.za/gender/directory
www.lifelinewc.org.za
www.southafrica.info/public_services/citizens/crisishelp.htm

WOMEN’S RESOURCES ON THE SA WEB
http://womensnet.org.za/pvaw/help/domest.htm
www.famsawc.org.za/
www.powa.co.za
www.powa.co.za
www.rapecrisis.org.za
www.speakout.org.za
www.stopwomenabusehelpline.org.za
www.womensnet.org.za
www.mosaic-sa.co.za/

CHILDREN’S RESOURCES ON THE SA WEB
www.volunteerchildnetwork.org.za
www.saspcan.org.za/childprot.htm 
http://womensnet.org.za/girlsdirectory/westerncape.shtml
www.childwelfaresa.org.za
www.rapcan.org.za

COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND THEIR CONTACT DETAILS

REGISTER OF CLUB PROJECTS RE WOMAN AND CHILD ABUSE (PAST AND CURRENT)

In order to provide a data base of club projects that could be used as a guideline by other clubs in the District, it is essential that clubs register any project that they have embarked on that relates to Women and Child Abuse on this site as soon as possible. This data base will serve as a useful reference resource tool for other Rotary clubs.

To register your project, simply complete the WCA Database Submission Form below and submit.

SUGGESTIONS FOR PROJECTS

All clubs can be pro-actively involved by sensitising their members to women and child abuse issues through arranging for appropriate speakers and empowering themselves.

• SAPS trauma rooms - provision of care packages for victims / decorating / soft toys
• Crèche's in lower income communities - equipment / training for caregivers / first aid supplies
• Support for local child and women abuse NGO's - they usually have a list of needs
• HIV & Aids - provision of care packages / support for volunteers / training materials
• Local Community Police Forums - send a representative and find out the needs
• Local social worker - identify who services your area as they are often short of resources like clothing etc
• Children's homes and foster care projects
• Education and training initiatives
  
  REFERRAL PROCESS FOR THE FAMILY OF ROTARY

•  Verbal complaints by any parties concerned should be taken seriously and responded to immediately

•  The complaint should be dealt with at the level at which it arises, with those in charge

•  A competent person with appropriate experience should be identified to handle the issue

•  The complaint should be recorded accurately, preferably in writing

•  At the first meeting the parties concerned should be asked to sign a declaration of confidentiality

•  At the first meeting the complainant should be advised that he/she has recourse to the W&CA committee should there not be satisfaction with the manner in which the issue has been handled internally

•  If district/club unable to handle the issue, the W&CA committee should be asked to participate and possibly drive the process

District/clubs/Rotarians to be made aware that the W&CA committee is available to provide guidance and support to them at all times should this be required.

District 9350 Woman & Child Abuse Annual Award

A new district award has been introduced this year at the request of the W&CA Committee to create awareness around this serious issue and to encourage clubs to participate in projects that have a woman and child abuse component. The selection criteria for this award are listed below. Clubs wishing to nominate a club project in this category should do so by e-mail (dist9350@iafrica.com) or fax (+27 21 689 3970) to Sylvia Phillips, the District Awards and Recognition Adjudicator, by not later than 25 April 2008.

• A viable project that meets the community’s needs
• Implemented in partnership and in collaboration with the community/authority structure and organization
• Degree of participation of Rotary club members/other clubs/community
• Enhances Rotary’s visibility and public image in the community
• Provides qualitative and quantitative results to ensure that the project is meeting the community’s needs
• Provides guidance, information sharing to assist other Rotary clubs to implement similar projects
• Ongoing sustainability a recommendation
• Project registered on the District database
• Project should have been running for at least a year

Assistance/Queries
To be directed to committee member Glenda Boraine: melo@kingsley.co.za or on cellphone 084 554 4222