About Us - Operation Bobbi Bear

About Bobbi Bear

RESCUE and uphold the rights of sexually abused children.

MINIMISE RISK of HIV infection.

HELP them towards wholeness.

Reported cases of child sexual abuse have increased by 400% in the past 9 years.
In KwaZulu-Natal it is estimated that 51% of adults between 16 and 45 years are HIV+. Since this is the perpetrator age group for sexual abuse, child victims are at risk of contracting HIV.
Rape and abuse charge dockets are difficult to complete due to language barriers (we have 11 official languages in South Africa). The loss of facts results in cases being refused to be heard in a court of law, and the perpetrators of the crimes walk free.
The child rape victims experience secondary abuse when giving statements and evidence and being medically examined.
The ongoing care for child abuse victims is often inconsistent – the child becomes confused since they are required to work with many different adults.

To collaborate with and assist the criminal justice system to ensure the rights and safety of the child victim of sexual abuse
To assess HIV/AIDS risk of child victim of sexual abuse at point-of-rescue, to intervene and to counsel appropriately
Applying therapeutic methods with use of Bobbi Bear, to obtain forensic facts and evidence to assist the criminal justice process, within the best interests of the child.
To empower and train local communities to collaborate with the criminal justice system, to ensure the rights and safety of child (Preventative Measures)
To empower and train Child Safety Officers locally, as prototypes for national expansion, and possible inclusion into the criminal justice system
To equip and mobilise churches and religious communities to be trained in HIV/AIDS, Pre- and Post-Test Counselling and Positive Living/ Wellness Management Programmes, in order to offer spiritual and emotional support to child victim of sexual abuse.
To increase awareness within local communities, with the aid of Bobbi Bear as symbol against sexual abuse and HIV/AIDS
To train identified members within communities to be trained as community child safety officers