Children with disabilities experience barriers when trying to report abuse and seek support

• Children with disabilities are at greater risk of abuse due to challenges in communication, increased social isolation and reliance on caregivers.
• Fear, stigma, poverty and delays in the justice system often make it difficult for victims and their families to report abuse.
• Speakers urged for better support services, more accessible ways to report abuse and increased collaboration between different sectors.

Children with disabilities continue to face significant obstacles when reporting abuse and accessing support services, according to child protection specialists, disability advocates and social workers who participated in a webinar hosted by Skills Information Base on 23 May 2026.

The webinar formed part of activities linked to National Child Protection Week, which is commemorated annually from 29 May to 5 June to raise awareness of children's rights as protected by the Constitution and the Children's Act and to promote the prevention of abuse, neglect, exploitation and violence against children.

The online discussion brought together experts from the child protection and disability sectors who examined why children with disabilities remain particularly vulnerable to abuse and why many struggle to access justice, therapy and support services.

Even with current interventions, important gaps remain

Dr Shaheda Omar of the Teddy Bear Foundation said children with disabilities face a heightened risk of physical, emotional and sexual abuse because of communication barriers, dependence on caregivers, stigma and exclusion. While interventions exist across the education, health, psychosocial support, law enforcement and criminal justice sectors, she said significant gaps continue to leave many children vulnerable.

Omar highlighted shortages of psychologists, therapists and other specialised professionals, long waiting periods for assessments and treatment, inaccessible reporting mechanisms and poor coordination between services. She also pointed to challenges within the justice system, including limited disability awareness among officials, inaccessible courts and delays in prosecutions.

She said children with communication impairments often face additional difficulties when reporting abuse or participating in investigations and court proceedings.

Fear and poverty stop many cases from being reported

Lungile Mngonyama of Impilo Child Protection and Adoption Services said fear remains one of the biggest barriers to reporting abuse. Children may fear retaliation from abusers, punishment, not being believed, or the consequences of reporting could have for their families.

Mngonyama explained that shame, stigma, lack of awareness about children's rights and distrust of authorities also discourage reporting. In some communities, abuse is still viewed as a private family matter, making it more difficult for victims to seek help.

She said poverty creates further barriers, with many families unable to afford transport to police stations and courts or access counselling, legal assistance and shelter services. Lengthy investigations and court processes can also discourage families from continuing with cases, while repeated interviews may force children to relive traumatic experiences.

Communities and institutions play a key role

Speaking on advocacy and community responsibility, Elaine Passmoor of Down Syndrome South Africa said children with disabilities are often made more vulnerable by communication difficulties, social isolation, discrimination and inaccessible reporting systems.

Passmoor highlighted the role of schools, healthcare workers, community leaders and civil society organisations in identifying abuse, creating safe reporting channels and promoting inclusion. She called for stronger cooperation between government departments, disability organisations and communities, as well as greater participation by children with disabilities in systems designed to protect them.

She emphasised that prevention begins when children with disabilities are visible, valued, connected and empowered within their communities.

Access to therapy is still a major challenge

Siphiwe Mafu of Bethel Social Innovation Hub focused on the difficulties many families face when trying to obtain therapy and support services. She identified high therapy costs, shortages of specialists, limited facilities, rural location challenges and social stigma as barriers preventing children from accessing essential care.

Mafu explained that therapy and support services assist with emotional healing, communication development, physical rehabilitation, mental well-being, and greater independence. She said many children are unable to benefit from these services because of limited availability and affordability.

She called for closer cooperation between government, schools, healthcare providers, non-governmental organisations, families and communities to improve access to services and ensure that children receive the support they need.

Addressing stigma and discrimination

Bishop Mike Mtshali of Lupeko Lady of Peace said stigma and discrimination continue to affect children with disabilities and their families. He noted that some parents may be reluctant to report abuse because they fear being judged, discriminated against or not taken seriously by authorities.

Mtshali encouraged communities to promote reporting and recognise that children with disabilities are entitled to the same rights and protections as all other children. He also stressed the importance of creating environments where children are treated with dignity, respect and inclusion.

The webinar is a call to action

Galaletsang Lelaka, founder of Skills Information Base, said the discussions highlighted the urgent need to strengthen protection systems and improve access to justice and support services for children with disabilities.

Lelaka said, "The webinar served not only as an educational platform, but also as a call to action. It reinforced the reality that more work still needs to be done to remove barriers within reporting and justice systems, improve accountability, and ensure that support services are accessible to all children across the country."

She added, "Every child deserves to feel safe within their homes and communities, regardless of their disability. Every child deserves to be heard, understood, protected, and afforded justice. The presentations and discussions shared during the webinar clearly demonstrated both the seriousness of these challenges and the importance of continued advocacy and collective action."

Lelaka said Skills Information Base applauds organisations, professionals and community members who continue to protect vulnerable children and advocate for safer and more inclusive communities.

"The webinar marks the beginning of an ongoing movement, one committed to ensuring that no child is left behind," she said.

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