Sexual violence against children in South Africa: A nationally representative cross-sectional study of prevalence and correlates

Background We could identify no nationally representative South African studies of sexual violence against children. Methods A multistage sampling frame, stratified by province, urban/rural and race group, selected households. Within households, children aged 15-17 years were interviewed after obtaining parental consent. The final sample was 5,631 (94.6% participation rate). Findings 9.99% (95%CI 8.65-11.47) of boys and 14.61% (95%CI 12.83-16.56) of girls reported some lifetime sexual victimisation. Physical abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, family violence, and other victimisations, were all strongly associated with sexual victimisation. The following were associated with greater risk of sexual abuse (adjusted OR); school enrolment (OR 2.12; 95%CI 1.29-3.48); urban dwelling (OR 0.59; 95%CI 0.43-0.80); having a flush toilet (OR 1.43; 95%CI 1.04-1.96); having a substance-misusing parent ( OR 2.37; 95%CI 1.67-3.36); being disabled (OR 1.42; 95%CI 1.10-1.82); female but not male caregivers’ poorer knowledge of the child’s whereabouts, friends and activities (OR 1.07; 95%CI 0.75-1.53) and poorer quality of the relationship with the child (OR 1.20; 95%CI 0.55-2.60). Respondents’ own substance misuse (OR 4.72; 95%CI 3.73-5.98) and high-risk sexual behaviour (OR 3.71; 95%CI 2.99-4.61) were the behaviours most frequently associated with sexual abuse, with mental health conditions far less prevalent but nonetheless strongly associated with sexual victimisation (PTSD OR 2.81, 95%CI 1.65-4.78; depression OR 3.43, 95% CI 2.26-5.19; anxiety OR 2.48, 95%CI 1.61-3.81). Interpretation Sexual violence is widespread among both girls and boys, and is associated with serious health problems. Associated factors require multi-sectoral responses to prevent sexual violence or mitigate consequences

Boys are victims, too: the influence of perpetrators’ age and gender in sexual coercion against boys

Sexual coercion among adolescent boys in South Africa is an underresearched topic despite the frequency of such events. Although quantitative research has illuminated the prevalence of sexual coercion toward boys, it has provided little understanding of the context of sexual coercion for adolescent boys. Given the often severe consequences of sexual coercion, it is important to further understand these experiences to inform prevention efforts. The current study aims to provide a more nuanced understanding of the context of sexual coercion. Data come from the baseline assessment for a translational research evaluation of a school-based intervention. The current study focuses on a subset of early and middle adolescent boys who reported experiencing sexual coercion (n = 223). Analyses examine boys’ reports of their perpetrators’ characteristics and details about the sexual coercion encounter. Logistic regression is used to examine how coercion tactics used by the perpetrator differs depending on the perpetrator’s age and gender. Eighth-grade boys were most likely to report that their perpetrator was a similar-aged female and that perpetrator’s age played a particularly important role in what tactics were used. Adult perpetrators were more likely to use physical force, threaten them, harass them electronically, and drink or use drugs at the time. Results provide important insight into boys’ experiences of sexual coercion that have implications for both future research and intervention efforts. Although much research is needed on the topic, intervention programs should recognize that both male and female adolescents can be victim and perpetrator

Longitudinal Predictors of Child Sexual Abuse in a Large Community-Based Sample of South African Youth

Sexual abuse has severe negative impacts on children's lives, but little is known about risk factors for sexual abuse victimization in sub-Saharan Africa. This study examined prospective predictors of contact sexual abuse in a random community-based sample of children aged 10 to 17 years (N = 3,515, 56.6% female) in South Africa. Self-report questionnaires using validated scales were completed at baseline and at 1-year follow-up (96.8% retention rate). Cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between hypothesized factors and sexual abuse were examined. For girls, previous sexual abuse (odds ratio [OR] = 3.44, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [2.03, 5.60]), baseline school dropout (OR = 2.76, 95% CI = [1.00, 6.19]), and physical assault in the community (OR = 2.17, 95% CI = [1.29, 3.48]) predicted sexual abuse at follow-up. Peer social support (OR = 0.84, 95% CI = [0.74, 0.98]) acted as a protective factor. Previous contact sexual abuse was the strongest predictor of subsequent sexual abuse victimization. In addition, peer support moderated the relationship between baseline assault and subsequent sexual abuse. For boys, no longitudinal predictors for sexual abuse victimization were identified. These results indicate that the most vulnerable girls-those not in school and with a history of victimization-are at higher risk for sexual abuse victimization. High levels of peer support reduced the risk of sexual abuse victimization and acted as a moderator for those who had experienced physical assault within the community. Interventions to reduce school drop-out rates and revictimization may help prevent contact sexual abuse of girls in South Africa

Influences on life aspirations among adolescents in a low-income community in Cape Town, South Africa

The aim of this study was to determine the influences on adolescents’ aspirations from a low-income community in Cape Town. A sequential mixed method exploratory design was used following two distinct phases. The qualitative phase comprised focus group interviews with 118 grade 12 learners attending a school in a low-income community (age range: 16–19 years) and focused on identifying factors influencing life aspirations. The quantitative phase with 191 adolescents (males = 54.45 %, females = 45.55 %); age range: 14–18 years) from the same community aimed to ascertain the influences of personal attributes on self-aspirations. Participants completed the Expectations/Aspirations measure, the New General Self-Efficacy Scale, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Qualitative data were thematically analysed. Quantitative data were analysed using multiple regression. The findings revealed that self-efficacy, self-esteem and social support were the most critical factors influencing adolescents’ aspirations. Self-efficacy was a major determinant of life aspirations among the adolescents. Life skills programmes with youth from disadvantaged communities should seek to incorporate training aimed at developing adolescents’ self-efficacy

Sexual violence against children in South Africa: a nationally representative cross-sectional study of prevalence and correlates

Summary: Background: We aimed to complete a nationally representative study of sexual violence against children in South Africa, and its correlates, since we could identify no other such study. Methods: For this nationally representative, cross-sectional study in South Africa, households were selected by use of a multistage sampling frame, stratified by province, urban or rural setting, and race group, and schools were selected on the basis that they were closest to the area in which households were selected. Interviews and self-administered questionnaires in each location inquired into lifetime and last-year prevalence of sexual abuse, and its correlates among children aged 15–17 years, whose parents gave informed consent and they themselves gave informed assent. Findings: The final household sample was 5631 (94·6% participation rate). 9·99% (95% CI 8·65–11·47) of boys and 14·61% (95% CI 12·83–16·56) of girls reported some lifetime sexual victimisation. Physical abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, family violence, and other victimisations were all strongly associated with sexual victimisation. The following were associated with greater risk of sexual abuse (adjusted odds ratio [OR]); school enrolment (OR 2·12, 95% CI 1·29–3·48); rural dwelling (0·59; 0·43–0·80); having a flush toilet (1·43, 1·04–1·96); parental substance misuse (2·37, 1·67–3·36); being disabled (1·42, 1·10–1·82); female (but not male) caregivers' poor knowledge of the child's whereabouts, friends, and activities (1·07, 0·75–1·53) and poor quality of the relationship with the child (ie, poor acceptance; 1·20, 0·55–2·60). The child's own substance misuse (4·72, 3·73–5·98) and high-risk sexual behaviour (3·71, 2·99–4·61) were the behaviours most frequently associated with sexual abuse, with mental health conditions found to be less prevalent than these factors but still strongly associated with sexual victimisation (post-traumatic stress disorder 2·81, 1·65–4·78; depression 3·43, 2·26–5·19; anxiety 2·48, 1·61–3·81). Interpretation: Sexual violence is widespread among both girls and boys, and is associated with serious health problems. Associated factors require multisectoral responses to prevent sexual violence or mitigate consequences. Funding: UBS Optimus Foundation