Misconceptions Surrounding Child Sexual Abuse In Durban
Social attitudes towards child sexual abuse (CSA) tend to reflect a wide variety of misconceptions. These not only play a highly significant role in the etiology and maintenance of sexual offending against children, they also contribute to under reporting and promote the silence that generally surrounds CSA. They further predict unfair treatment of victims, and compromise adaptive resolution in both victim and offender. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the existence of misconceptions surrounding CSA amongst the general public of Durban in South Africa. A further purpose was to explore differences in rates of myth endorsement in this context, firstly between males and females, and secondly between two levels of education. The research design was conceptualised within a positivist paradigm with the use of quantitative data collected through questionnaire method. The research instrument was developed by the researcher within the framework of four empirical studies, with input from two professors with extensive research experience. The sample consisted of members and staff of a public library; clothing factory workers; staff in two elementary schools; and employees in a retail outlet. The research sites were located in three different geographical areas of the city to maximise generalisation of findings. Although previous studies have indicated high rates of myth endorsement amongst the general public and gender differences in rates of myth endorsement, the present study xiv did not yield significant results in these two areas. This may have been due to the composition of the sample which was largely representative of educators and other school personnel (n = 80). This population has more exposure to victims of CSA than the average member of the public, and may well have a wider knowledge in issues surrounding CSA, as a consequence of this. In terms of differences in rates of myth endorsement according to levels of education, findings in this study have indicated a higher rate of myth endorsement in those with a lower level of education. This is consistent with findings in previous studies amongst the general public in the USA and Australia. This suggests a priority for the development of programs to disseminate accurate information in issues surrounding CSA at all levels of public education. The literature additionally indicates an urgent need for the development and implementation of comprehensive programs to elucidate issues in CSA amongst the general public. It has been suggested that these public programs be based on the educational initiatives employed in antismoking campaigns, since these have proven efficacy.
child sexual abuse, misconceptions, South Africa
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