Child-on-child sexual abuse: Results of a survey in johannesburg

Abstract

Despite the growing prevalence of child-on-child sexual abuse in South Africa, limited research has been conducted on the phenomenon. A survey of children under 12 years was conducted at a research site in Johannesburg delivering services to children that engaged in inappropriate sexualised behaviour. Three influences are identified that may contribute to the conditions under which they may offend namely, (1) the maturational stage of their development which may predispose them to sexual exploration; (2) environmental influences and (3) the family. The findings highlight the need for social work theory and practise that consider the eco-systemic nature of the phenomenon.