Perceptions of Interventions for Child Sexual Abuse in an Urban South African Sample

Abstract

A questionnaire was used to study perceptions of interventions for child sexual abuse in a nonrepresentative urban South African population of 132 African/Black participants (61 men and 71 women) from the general public of Mankweng. Their ages ranged from 21 to 60 years (M age = 32.2 yr., SD = 10.4). Analysis indicated these participants clearly supported most of the components of nonadversarial approaches. Women were more positive about a nonadversarial approach than men; however, participants disagreed on questions about controlling the offender and whether an accused relative should move out of the home of the victim. Participants supported prosecuting offenders and longer prison sentences and did not favour leniency for first-time offenders. They further believed children, the family, and even less the offenders should receive treatment.