Cross-border trafficking in human beings: prevention and intervention strategies for reducing sexual exploitation

Over the years, growing attention has been given to the phenomenon of trafficking in human beings (THB). Sexual exploitation was until recently by far the most commonly identified feature of THB, followed by forced labour. Many activities to combat trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation have been initiated by numerous supranational, international as well as national organizations. Much is written about these initiatives, but some areas have been neglected. Knowledge on ‘what works’ is in particular limited. The growing attention to THB entails a demand for more information. The severity of the crime and the impact on its victims makes it of utmost importance to gain more insight into the working and effectiveness of anti-trafficking strategies and interventions. The main objective of this review was to assess the presently available evidence on the effects of interventions that aim to prevent and suppress trafficking in human beings

Corporal punishment of children: a South African national survey

Commissioned by Save the Children Sweden, JulyThe study to be reported here is the first South African national survey of attitudes to the use of corporal punishment by caregivers. It should be noted here that this study formed part of a larger study of intimate violence that examined the prevalence of, and links between, partner violence and corporal punishment. These results and full technical details are reported elsewhere (Dawes, De Sas Kropiwnicki, Kafaar, & Richter in press; Dawes et al. 2004). There is a dearth of good information available on the incidence and prevalence of corporal (physical) punishment in the South African context or the disciplinary attitudes used by parents and caregivers to warrant their use of corporal punishment. However, the limited data suggests that it is very common and widely accepted mode of child rearing in the South African context. Current gaps in our knowledge compromise our ability to understand this form of violence against children, and weaken efforts to create viable intervention strategies in order to address the problem. It is therefore hoped that evidence produced by this study can be used to inform intervention. In addition to reporting on the extent and severity of corporal punishment by South African parents we report on predictors of this form of intimate violence. Attitudes to corporal punishment in schools are also addressed. Finally, the study provides baseline data that can be used to track change over time, as various initiatives are undertaken to deepen a culture of democracy and children's rights. The study focuses on the views and practices of persons over 16 years of age. Children were not included as participants in this research. As it is critical to access the views and voices of children, children will participate in a series of future studies that build on participatory work commenced by Save the Children Sweden (2002)

Survey examines South Africa's attitude towards corporal punishment

This article summarises some of the findings of a survey on corporal punishment of children. This is the first South African national survey of attitudes towards the use of corporal punishment by caregivers and parents. It should be noted that this study formed part of a larger study of intimate violence that examined the prevalence of, and links between, partner violence and corporal punishment. The information was obtained from SASAS, a national household survey conducted by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) every year that covers a wide range of social issues. This SASAS was conducted in late 2003. Two of the SASAS modules were the intimate partner violence study and the corporal punishment study.

Partner violence: a national survey

Keynote address to the Victim Empowerment Conference hosted by Themba Lesiswe, Durban, 2 Septembe

Partner violence, attitudes to child discipline & use of corporal punishment: a South African national survey

Commissioned by Save the Children Swede