Mother's Knowledge and Perception about Child Sexual Abuse Measure

Child Sexual Abuse Studies in Arab Societies: A Systematic Review and Directions for Future Research

“…In the reviewed studies, parents expected their children "to say no" to the sexual abuse, "to fight" the perpetrator and "to run away" (e.g., Al-Rasheed, 2017). In this regard, Arab parents were unlikely to discuss sex-related issues with their children, with several parents in one study preventing their children from watching programs with sexual content or participating in sex education (Alzoubi et al, 2018). At the same time, some parents in another study suggested sex education for their children as a way to prevent abuse (AlRammah et al, 2019).…”

“…An abnormal interest in sex and/or genitals was less recognized by parents (50.4%). In a Jordanian study, most of the mothers were not aware that an abnormal interest in sex or genitals and inappropriate sexual behavior using toys or other objects could be signs of abuse (Alzoubi et al, 2018). Furthermore, most thought there were no signs of abuse other than visible medical signs.…”

“…Additionally, 50% believed that boys are safe from CSA and most believed that females would not sexually harm a child. In a Jordanian study, only 37.7% (n = 184) of the mothers knew of laws that protect children from sexual abuse and less than half (47.7%, n = 233) were aware that there are social organizations to help sexually abused children (Alzoubi et al, 2018). Furthermore, most of the mothers believed that only men commit sexual acts against children (n = 335, 68.6%); 24.4% disagreed and 20.7% were unsure that perpetrators are often known to them and their children.…”

“…Parents' suggestions of prevention practices or interventions on the macro level were scant. In a study conducted in Jordan, Alzoubi et al (2018) suggested prevention practices at schools should be educational and intervention based. Mothers stated that community prevention practices should include open discussion, distribution of brochures about CSA to enhance community awareness, and more severe penalties for perpetrators.…”

“…Yet, among parents who spoke about CSA prevention, most of the suggested practices put the responsibility on the child regarding how he or she must respond to sexual abuse. Among items that were included in the questionnaires, parents emphasized that "children must recognize good touch and bad touch" (Alzoubi et al, 2018), and "if anyone asked to see or touch their private parts, they should definitely say no and leave the location immediately" (AlRammah et al, 2019). Parents also asked their children not to accept gifts from strangers or to go anywhere without their permission (89.2%), to wear appropriate clothing (82.5%) and to maintain their body privacy (93.2%;AlRammah et al, 2019).…”