Factors contributing to child sexual abuse in Bahir Dar,Ethiopia: Police and perpetrators’ perspectives

Abstract

Although child sexual abuse has been a prominent topic for more than four decades, its multidimensional causal factors remain inconclusive. The purpose of the study was to understand triggering factors leading to committing child sexual abuse. The study employed a quantitative survey design. We collected data from 21 perpetrators and 203 police officers. Delayed marriage, cultural norms and excessive alcohol consumption were triggers to committing child sexual abuse. Perpetrators knew their acts would have moral and punitive consequences. To stop child sexual abuse, community participation, strengthening community policing and automation of crime reporting were suggested actions. The study suggests that more comprehensive research should be conducted in this area.

Keywords

Alcohol consumption child sexual abuse Ethiopia human motivation perpetrator rape

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