Factors associated with child sexual abuse in Tanzania: a qualitative study

Abstract

Background: Child sexual abuse (CSA) is one of the most pervasive occurrences which are reported all over the world. It often goes unnoticed and undocumented due to surrounding taboos; its sensitivity in nature and affects the less powerful population. Anecdote information is available on the nature and extent of sexual abuse among children in Tanzania. The aim of this study was to explore factors, forms, context of abuse and perpetrators of child sex abuse in selected regions of Tanzania.Methods: Key informant interviews were conducted among adults including parents of the victims to explore factors associated with sexual abuse of children under 10 years old in Tanzania. The interview guide centred on factors for child sexual abuse, the type of perpetrators and the context into which these abuses take place.Results: There were incidences of child sexual abuse in Tanzania and the major forms were anal and vaginal penetration, and the most affected were girls. The abuses were rarely reported due to shame and embarrassment faced by the affected children and parents. The causes of child sexual abuse were poverty, ambitions and moral degradation, myths and beliefs, urbanization, foreign culture and poor parental care. Incidents of CSA were reported to occur in perpetrators’ homes and in semi-finished housing structures, madrassa and recreational venues where children can freely access entertainment by watching movies. These acts were committed by people in position of power, close relationship and trusted by the children. Contexts where child sexual abuses occur included overcrowded living spaces and social activities that go on late into the night.Conclusion: We recommend for strengthened interventions at different levels within the society to address the root causes and different contexts in which child sex abuse occurs. Increased awareness of the root causes should go hand in hand with measures to encourage parents and survivors to report incidents to relevant authorities timely as they occur.

The management of childhood sexual abuse by midwifery, nursing and medical providers in Tanzania

“…Parents may be concerned about what may happen to the perpetrator (e.g. sibling) or how the family will survive if the breadwinner is jailed/prisoned ( Alaggia et al, 2019 ; Ezekiel et al, 2017 ; Hébert et al, 2009 ; Kisanga et al, 2013 , 2011 ). Although a multi-disciplinary approach seemed to be an effective practice in providing comprehensive care to victims, not all health facilities are equipped with these resources, making it harder for professionals and families of victims to attain quality care.…”

“…The mental health consequences of untreated CSA include depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, dissociative disorders, social isolation, self-destructive behaviors, and alcohol and substance use ( Alaggia, Collin-Vézina, & Lateef, 2019 ; Fergusson, McLeod, & Horwood, 2013 ; Kisanga, Nystrom, Hogan, & Emmelin, 2011 ). The main perpetrators of CSA in Tanzania include teachers, neighbors, family members, and friends ( Ezekiel et al, 2017 ; Kisanga et al, 2011 ; Kisanga, Nyström, Hogan, & Emmelin, 2013 ; Wazambi & Komanya, 2019 , 2020 ). The statistics show an increase in CSA reporting; however, less is known about how healthcare providers and other stakeholders manage situations of CSA ( UNICEF et al, 2011 ; Wazambi & Komanya, 2019 , 2020 ).…”

“…One of the most critical structural barriers is poverty. Household poverty and child neglect increase the risk of child abuse due to the victims’ lack of and subsequent need for financial resources ( Abeid, Muganyizi, Olsson, Darj, & Axemo, 2014 ; Ezekiel et al, 2017 ). Transactional sex is common, with sex between older men (termed “sugar daddies” or “buzi” in Kiswahili) and young girls in exchange for food, shelter, car rides, and other goods being normalized ( Abeid et al, 2014 ; Wamoyi, Wight, Plummer, Mshana, & Ross, 2010 ).…”

“…Transactional sex is common, with sex between older men (termed “sugar daddies” or “buzi” in Kiswahili) and young girls in exchange for food, shelter, car rides, and other goods being normalized ( Abeid et al, 2014 ; Wamoyi, Wight, Plummer, Mshana, & Ross, 2010 ). Other contributing factors to CSA include long travel distances to school and the high prevalence of superstitious beliefs ( Ezekiel et al, 2017 ; Empower Tanzania, 2018 ; Wazambi & Komanya, 2019 ). Cultural factors include a long-standing tradition of child marriage, with 30% of girls being married before age 18.…”

“…Patriarchal values and conservative sex roles, where power and decision-making default to men, leave women and girls more likely to be held responsible for the abuse ( Abeid et al, 2014 ). At the community, family, and personal levels, fear of stigma (which prioritizes family and community reputation ahead of the victims’ need for help), victim-blaming, and concerns that survivors will not be “marriageable” if CSA is disclosed make children, guardians, and families reluctant to disclose CSA incidents ( Ezekiel et al, 2017 ; Kisanga et al, 2013 ; Wazambi & Komanya, 2019 ). The presence of these factors deters families from seeking and initiating therapeutic services, accepting restorative referrals, and reporting incidents to the legal authorities ( Theimer et al, 2020 ).…”