Best Child Abuse Lawyers in Durban

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ESSACK & HANSA ATTORNEYS, NOTARIES AND CONVEYANCERS

ESSACK & HANSA ATTORNEYS, NOTARIES AND CONVEYANCERS

Durban, South Africa

Founded in 1994
50 people in their team
Afrikaans
English
We are a private legal practice, operating as a partnership between Mahomed Essack and Ruwaida Hansa. Mahomed and Ruwaida, aside from being partners in law, are also partners in marriage. They were admitted as attorneys on 20 December 1994 and have established long lasting relationships with...
John Hudson & Company Attorneys

John Hudson & Company Attorneys

Durban, South Africa

Founded in 1952
50 people in their team
English
Afrikaans
The firm was established by John Charles Stewart Hudson in 1952 in the Durban CBD and has continued to practise in the Durban area ever since.  ​​We pride ourselves in being accessible to our clients and have supported families and business (both large and small) for over six decades....
Legal Leaders | Moolla Attorneys Inc

Legal Leaders | Moolla Attorneys Inc

Durban, South Africa

English
A professional law firm offering expert legal services.
HARILALL NAIK PETERS ATTORNEYS

HARILALL NAIK PETERS ATTORNEYS

Durban, South Africa

English
Harilall Naik Peters Attorneys, located in Ballito, South Africa, offers comprehensive legal services across various practice areas, including Criminal Law, Labour Law, Family Law, Commercial Law, Corporate Law, Tax Law, and Property Law. The firm is led by Directors Nikhil Harilall and Suvania...
Macgregor Erasmus Attorneys

Macgregor Erasmus Attorneys

Durban, South Africa

Founded in 2007
50 people in their team
English
Afrikaans
Macgregor Erasmus Attorneys Inc. is an innovative Law Firm that redefines the role that Lawyers ought to play by providing quick, pragmatic and robust legal solutions and representation which is bespoke to Multinational Corporations, Blue-chip companies, Large, Medium, Small, Micro-enterprises and...
Rajaram Mvulane Attorneys

Rajaram Mvulane Attorneys

Durban, South Africa

Founded in 2019
10 people in their team
Afrikaans
English
We pride ourselves on being a professional, confident and strong women empowered firm. To provide quality legal assistance to all persons with honesty and integrity, and to assist in enhancing the rule of law.Rajaram Mvulane Attorneys aims to provide ethical and friendly customer service in the...
Hunter & Company

Hunter & Company

Durban, South Africa

Founded in 2021
10 people in their team
Afrikaans
English
OverviewHunter & Co. is a boutique new law firm that offers general litigation services with a focus on commercial law and family law.. Our practitioner always strives to provide truly honest and accurate legal strategies, which are custom designed to benefit our clients. The service offering...
Burne & Burne Attorneys

Burne & Burne Attorneys

Durban, South Africa

English
Established in 1880 by William Burne, Burne & Burne Attorneys is a distinguished law firm in Durban North, South Africa, with a legacy spanning over 140 years. The firm has been led by five generations of the Burne family, making it one of the country's most enduring family-run legal practices....
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About Child Abuse Law in Durban, South Africa

Child Abuse in Durban, South Africa, consists of any act of harm or threat to a child's wellbeing resulting in physical, psychological, or emotional damage. The South African legal system sternly condemns all forms of child maltreatment, including neglect, physical violence, sexual abuse, and emotional or psychological harm. The legislation protecting children in South Africa are embedded in the Constitution and the Children's Act of 2005.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Legal intervention is usually essential in cases of suspected or confirmed child abuse. A lawyer is crucial in these circumstances to ensure the child's rights are protected and that justice is served. They can help in obtaining protection orders against the abuser, instigating criminal charges, claiming compensation, ensuring safe custody and care for the child, and advocating for the child in court.

Local Laws Overview

The South African Children’s Act of 2005 provides comprehensive protection for children’s rights, including protection from abuse and neglect. The act defines child abuse broadly and includes any form of harm or ill-treatment deliberately inflicted on a child. It also provides for detailed preventative and responsive measures in cases of child abuse. The Sexual Offences Act also offers protection specifically against child sexual abuse and outlines very severe penalties for perpetrators.

Frequently Asked Questions

What constitutes child abuse in South Africa?

Child abuse includes physical, emotional, or sexual maltreatment, as well as neglect of a child's physical or emotional needs.

What legal action can be taken if a child is being abused?

Report the matter immediately to the police or a social worker. A respected lawyer can help you navigate the legal process by establishing contact with the relevant authorities and can represent the child's interests in court.

Who can report child abuse?

Anyone who suspects that a child is being abused has the responsibility and legal duty to report it. The Children's Act provides for any person, who is aware of the abuse, to report it to a child protection organization, the provincial department of social development, a police official or a social worker.

What are the penalties for child abuse?

Penalties varies depending on the nature and severity of the abuse. They can include imprisonment, financial penalties, or both. Severe cases of child abuse may lead to lifetime imprisonment.

Does a child have to testify in court?

If a child is old and mature enough to understand the proceedings, they may be required to testify. However, the court makes every effort to minimize the trauma involved. A lawyer can help ensure the child's experience is as minimal as possible.

Additional Resources

In addition to legal help, there are several organizations dedicated to the welfare of children, including Child Welfare South Africa and Childline South Africa. Both organisations offer assistance and resources for victims of child abuse and their families, including crisis intervention, counselling services, and advocacy.

Next Steps

If you suspect that a child is being abused, it is crucial to act quickly. Contact the relevant authorities, such as the police or the Department of Social Development, and seek legal assistance immediately. A good lawyer can provide the necessary counsel, guidance, and representation to ensure that the child is protected and the perpetrator faces justice. Remember, your initiative may save a child's life.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Durban through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Child Abuse, experience, and client feedback. Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters. Get a quote from top-rated law firms in Durban, South Africa—quickly, securely, and without unnecessary hassle.

Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation. We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.