Ecosystems of Care (EOC): An Approach to Addressing Child Sexual Abuse in Southeast Asian Communities in the United Kingdom

Abstract

Child sexual abuse (CSA) is an urgent concern within Southeast Asian communities in the United Kingdom. However, there appears to be a glaring gap in research that features the distinct experiences of Southeast Asian children. Our paper highlights the lesser-heard and much-needed perspectives of Southeast Asian communities in the United Kingdom about CSA. CSA in Southeast Asian communities is not supported by reference to case studies or practitioner work on CSA. To situate our practitioner reflections and recommendations, we present a hypothetical case study of a Filipino migrant woman and her child based on the amalgamation of previous cases handled by one of the authors. Through our proposed ecosystems of care (EOC) approach, we discuss the capacity and competencies of by-and-for Southeast Asian community-based organisations in supporting migrant women and their children by exploring the possibilities of extending the services to address CSA. We consider socio-cultural and structural factors like migration, which may influence the disclosure of CSA and help-seeking behaviours among children and young people with Southeast Asian heritage in the United Kingdom. Based on our collective practitioner experiences working on CSA in the Philippines and collaborating with Filipino and broader Southeast Asian communities in the United Kingdom, we offer practical recommendations to enhance child protection within these communities.