Child sexual abuse: an exploration of knowledge, perceptions and practices in Nairobi West District

Abstract

Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) is a silent epidemic in society in that it is rarely discussed within homes and schools and at the larger community, yet it takes place daily in those same environments. A lot of studies have been undertaken on CSA but not many actually look at the child and her/his environment, and the factors that predispose them to this vice. Child Sexual Abuse in Kenya continues even though the government together with several other stakeholders, interested and affected parties have put up a spirited fight to rid such vices out of the society. There seems to be no coordinated efforts and collaboration to ensure that the issue of CSA is history in Kenya. Several factors have contributed to this behavior in the society and the sooner it is checked the better for the growth and development of the nation. The government has put in immense efforts to try and weed out this behavior including legislation amongst others yet it still is being reported to be happening and actually rampant in the society. What then is the gap? In order to understand how complex the whole issue is we conducted a study in Nairobi. The study used both qualitative and quantitative approaches to collect data from the field. Semi structured questionnaire with both open and closed questions were used in the field to interview 150 respondents and 12 key respondents who were interviewed by the use of an interview guide. The key informants included chiefs, government representatives, police and representatives of non-governmental organizations involved in child rights issues and other community members with information on this topic. Quantitative data was analyzed by the used of Statistical Package for Statistical Scientist. The study revealed that child sexual abuse is rampant in Nairobi and several factors contribute to this behavior. Some of these causes include use of drugs and alcohol. immorality, poverty and poor parenting. A total of 101 respondents representing 67% of the respondents now that most cases of CSA are reported to authorities. However, from the Key informants, who are persons with expert knowledge on CSA, there is still under reporting of CSA eases. The effects of CSA are categorized into physical, social and psychological effects and include exposure to STIs, HIV/AIDs, trauma, unwanted pregnancies and physical harm. The main custodian over protecting the child, in this case the parent also emerged as the key perpetrator and this is a very sad situation for Kenya. 63% of the respondents reported CSA to be taking place at home, yet this is supposed to be a safe haven for children.