Sexual abuse can be defined as any act exposing children (below the age of 18) to pornographic viewing via social media platforms, anal and vaginal sexual intercourse, masturbation, persuading or forcing them to touch adults’ genitals.
By far, in SA, research indicates that sexual abuse is common among poor communities especially in the rural areas, informal settlements and RDP houses where sexual predators take advantage of girls from child-headed families, dysfunctional families and who have been abandoned by their families after the deaths of their parents.
Having been moved by recent stories from social media, like a 13-year-old girl who gave birth on Christmas Day in Seshego, Limpopo, and another 15-year-old from KwaZulu-Natal, it cannot be denied that majority of teenagers engage in sexual intercourse without taking safety precautions.
It may be the result of rape, where they are threatened to be killed, should they report. In another case, Karabo Lebea, 20, from Tzaneen, Limpopo, allegedly raped girls whom he met on social media since the beginning of December 2024.
There could be many cases of sexual abuse not reported to the SA Police Service because some of the victims are mentally challenged while others have been trafficked into prostitution by undocumented immigrants.
Though the perpetrators are arrested for statutory rape in terms of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 32 of 2007, my previous research findings still confirm that there are parents, adults or caregivers who seemed not ready to encourage children to talk openly about their challenges, including sexual values.
The danger is that a failure to establish secure emotional bonds with children from an early age often breeds feelings of insecurities and low self-esteem, subsequently leading to children bottling up their miseries, especially when parents are judgmental, emotionally unresponsive and physically abusive.
It is high time for parents to believe their children when reporting that their educators and senior church members such as priests or pastors have made sexual advances on them.
Parents should also be on the lookout for incest. Incest should be a “red-flag” for mothers in cohabitation or second marriages when their daughters raise concerns that their stepfathers begin to engage them in improper discussions or commenting on their body posture or looks.
Sexually abused children typically show decline in their academic performance, change in behaviour, unexplained mood swings, suicidal thoughts, nightmares and/or disturbed sleep patterns. To cope, they may cover their emotional emptiness by using alcohol and illicit drugs.
To curb the scourge of sexual abuse, parents/caregivers should prepare their children about the dangers of premarital sex and the dangers of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV/Aids.
Moreover, to monitor their children’s moves and knowing their children’s friends and where they stay, could minimise the risk of exposure to inappropriate sexual behaviour.
Parents should be vigilant during festive seasons when children request to visit their relatives or friends in other areas/ provinces or picnic and ensure that there is no alcohol or other substances in their bags.
During traditional ceremonies, especially in the villages or New Year’s parties where alcohol abuse is rife, parents should remain sober and protect their children from unscrupulous uncles or neighbours who may drug their children and rape them.
Child sexual abuse can be reported to SAPS emergency number 10111 or SMS "help" to 31022, free of charge. By doing so, the survivors can be assisted with counselling as well as medical examination to screen for STIs and possible termination of pregnancy (when reported early) after the informed consent of the legal guardians.
- Kheswa is a professor in the department of psychology at the University of Fort Hare
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.