crimes agains children - NAMPOL
Protecting Children from Gender-Based Violence
Comprehensive resources and guidance for parents, guardians, and community members to safeguard children against violence, abuse, and exploitation
EMERGENCY CONTACTS - IMMEDIATE RESPONSE
Available 24/7 • Confidential • Multilingual Support
Comprehensive Offline Safety Measures
Home & Family Protection
- Establish clear family rules about privacy and boundaries
- Teach children anatomical names for body parts
- Create a "no secrets" policy within the family
- Monitor interactions with extended family and visitors
- Establish safe words for uncomfortable situations
Community & Public Safety
- Identify safe houses and trusted neighbors on your route
- Practice emergency scenarios and responses
- Teach children to trust their instincts about people
- Establish check-in procedures when away from home
- Use the "buddy system" for outdoor activities
Recognizing & Preventing Grooming
- Be aware of adults who give excessive gifts or attention
- Monitor relationships with coaches, teachers, and mentors
- Watch for attempts to isolate your child from peers
- Notice inappropriate physical contact or conversations
- Identify requests for secrecy in relationships
Prevention Tip: The "What If" Game
Regularly practice "what if" scenarios with your children. Ask questions like "What would you do if an adult you know asked you to keep a secret?" or "What if someone online asked to meet you?" This builds critical thinking and preparedness.
Digital Safety & Online Protection
Social Media & Privacy
- Set strict privacy settings on all social platforms
- Teach children about digital footprint permanence
- Regularly review friend lists and remove strangers
- Disable location services on social media apps
- Use pseudonyms instead of real names when possible
Device Management & Monitoring
- Use parental control software with content filtering
- Establish device-free zones and times (bedrooms, meals)
- Regularly check app downloads and usage patterns
- Enable safe search filters on browsers
- Create shared family charging stations overnight
Identifying Online Predators
- Adults posing as children with fake profiles
- Requests for personal information or photos
- Attempts to move conversations to private platforms
- Compliments followed by requests for secrecy
- Pressure to meet in person or share location
Critical: Gaming Platform Risks
Online gaming platforms are increasingly used by predators to contact children. Monitor in-game chats, disable voice chat with strangers, and educate children about never sharing personal information with gaming "friends."
Comprehensive Bullying Prevention
Cyberbullying Response Plan
For cyberbullying: 1) DO NOT RESPOND to bullies, 2) SAVE all evidence (screenshots, messages), 3) BLOCK the bully on all platforms, 4) REPORT to platform administrators and school officials, 5) SUPPORT your child emotionally through the process.
Legal Framework & Protection
Legal Rights & Protections
- Combating of Domestic Violence Act provisions
- Child Care and Protection Act safeguards
- Mandatory reporting requirements for professionals
- Protection orders and restraining orders
- Special court procedures for child victims
Reporting Procedures
- How to file a police report for child abuse
- Evidence collection and preservation
- Working with child protection services
- Court preparation and victim support
- Confidentiality and privacy protections
Witness & Victim Support
- Specialized child interview techniques
- Court accompaniment services
- Trauma-informed counseling resources
- Long-term protection planning
- Community reintegration support
Frequently Asked Questions
Remain calm, believe your child, reassure them it's not their fault, avoid questioning excessively, and contact authorities immediately. Do not confront the alleged abuser yourself.
Use age-appropriate monitoring: younger children need closer supervision, while teens benefit from open conversations about digital safety. Focus on teaching responsible behavior rather than secret surveillance.
Depending on severity, consequences can range from school discipline to criminal charges for assault, harassment, or cybercrimes. Namibia's laws provide specific protections against bullying in educational settings.
Schools should implement comprehensive safety policies, provide regular staff training, establish clear reporting procedures, offer counseling services, and create a culture where students feel safe reporting concerns.
Support Services & Resources
24/7 Crisis Response
Immediate intervention teams available nationwide. Specialized child protection units trained in trauma-informed response and evidence collection.
Counseling & Mental Health Services
Free confidential counseling through Ministry of Gender Equality, Child Welfare, and partner organizations. Specialized trauma therapy for children and families.
Educational Programs & Workshops
NAMPOL school outreach programs on safety education, bullying prevention, and digital literacy. Customized sessions for parents, teachers, and students.
Educational Materials
Downloadable resources, age-appropriate safety books, parent guides, and teacher toolkits available in multiple languages through our resource portal.