Causes of the high prevalence rate of child sexual abuse in Lusaka, district.

The dissertation presents a study on the causes of the high prevalence of child sexual abuse in Lusaka district. The study was purely qualitative. The study used a simple systematic sampling technique giving us a total of 34 respondents. It employed the case study design of qualitative method. Thematic analysis was used in analyzing data which was presented using graph, tables and direct quotations. Results showed that most reports of sexual abuse were reported by girls than boys, their ages ranged from 10-16 years with 13 and 14 year olds being the most victims. Perpetrators were close people to the child who may be close relatives of acquaintances with ages ranging from 25-65 years and mostly male. The major causes of sexual abuse included family breakdown, low conviction of offenders, child labor, decline in morals, child neglect, influence by social media, cultural beliefs and rituals and abuse of position (fear of the red pen). The most common forms of sexual abuse are penetration for girls and sexual assault for boys. With regard to the extent to which the government and stakeholders ensured the protection of children’s right from all forms of sexual abuse, there was a consensus that the current legislation was sufficient but it was poorly enforced. Based on these findings, it is recommended that stakeholders should ensure accountability for child sexual abuse by establishing firm investigation mechanisms, and ensuring that abusers are fairly held responsible for their actions and provide alternative care for children with abusive/no care givers. Future research could explore how traditional practices like initiation ceremonies constitute a violation to the right of the child to protection from all forms of sexual abuse. KEY WORDS: Child; Child Sexual Abuse; Perpetrator; Rights

Grantor dc:publisher

The University of Zambia

Year dc:date.issued

2019

Author dc:creator

• Nalwimba, Sankananji Daisy

• Child sexual abuse
• Child sexual offenders

Language dc:language.iso

en

Repository record dc:identifier.uri

https://dspace.unza.zm/handle/123456789/8323

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.unza.zm:123456789/8323