Exploration of parents’ perception and practices on child protection against sexual abuse in Kisarawe, Pwani.

Abstract

Background: Parents are vital to the successful protection of child sexual abuse (CSA). A better understanding of parent’s perception and practice is essential for developing and implementing effective parent-involved protection programs. There is shortage of empirical research revealing parent perception and practices on protection of children against sexual abuse in Tanzania. Therefore the purpose of this study was to explore what parents in Kisarawe do or do not do with respect to protection of children against sexual abuse. Aim of the study: The study aimed to explore parents’ perceptions and practices on protection of children against sexual abuse in Kisarawe, Pwani. Methodology: The study used qualitative exploratory design, data were collected through In-depth interviews with a sample of 20 parents from Kisarawe which were selected purposively. Data collection was done in July 2019. The information from the interviews was about parents’ practices that are protective against CSA and that which increases children vulnerability to sexual abuse in Kisarawe. FGDs were conducted using (6-10) people to assess parents’ perception against child sexual abuse. Seven groups of different ages were formulated; two groups of young female parents aged 18 – 39, two groups of male parents aged 18 -39, two groups of older female parents aged 40 and above, and one group of older male parents aged 40 and above. Thematic analysis approach was used on analyzing the study findings. Results: Majority of Parents perceive that CSA is mostly done to female children and perpetrators are often males of different age groups. Proper sleeping arrangements, sufficient provision of basic needs to children, regular monitoring of children and communication are reported to be protective practices against CSA while improper sleeping arrangements, inadequate monitoring of children and the use modern devices/TV, insufficient provision of basic needs and lack of parental education to parents increase the vulnerability to CSA. Conclusion: This study has provided a comprehensive description of parents’ perceptions and practices regarding CSA, which may provide guidance towards development of parental education programs in Tanzania.