Exploring factors for persistence of students’ sexual abuse incidents in secondary schools in Ngara District–Tanzania

Abstract

This study aims to explore the factors for the persistence of students’ sexual abuse incidents in secondary schools. The study utilized a qualitative approach and a case study design involving 74 informants. Data were gathered from semi-structured interviews and FGDs and analysed thematically. Findings reveal that factors for the persistence of students’ sexual abuse incidents in secondary schools include social and cultural beliefs, poor enforcement of laws and policies on child protection, misuse of power and trust vested in teachers, peer pressure, distance to and from schools, and globalization impacts. The study underscores adopting an integrated approach to address this issue effectively. Such an approach should include awareness creation among parents, students, and community members on the impacts of students’ sexual abuse incidents, integrating moral and ethical values into the school curriculum, ending bureaucracy and corruption, and addressing accommodation shortages in schools.