ISIZULU-SPEAKING CAREGIVERS’ PERCEPTIONS ON DISCLOSING CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE

Abstract

Child sexual abuse affects children and caregivers all around the world. According to the South African Police Service’s (2020/21) crime statistics report, child sexual abuse is common in South Africa, particularly the township of Tsakane. Tsakane, located in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, is predominantly comprised of IsiZulu-speaking residents and has a significant child sexual abuse problem. Child sexual abuse may be perceived differently by IsiZulu-speaking caregivers than by other cultural groups and hence a qualitative study was carried out to explore this phenomenon. The study employed an exploratory design and semi-structured individual interviews. Thematic content analysis was conducted in analysing the data. The findings revealed that isiZulu caregivers in Tsakane are hesitant to report incidences of child sexual abuse because of cultural, environmental and psychological cost factors. This means that socialwork should address child sexual abuse in a comprehensive, culturally sensitive and community-focused manner.