Abstract:
Background: Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a rampant problem in the society though it is
usually underreported especially in Kenya and other African Countries. Available
literature on the causes is very limited due to limited studies done in this area. Several
myths and hypotheses have been put forward on the possible predisposing factors. Parents
and families of affected children often do not know which steps to take to assist their
children who have been sexually abused. Effects of sexual abuse of children are so far
reaching ranging from physical to long lasting psychological trauma. Longisa County
hospital records show that 2 to 3 cases are seen every month.
Objective: To describe the community perception on the factors leading to child sexual
abuse in Longisa and Mulot Divisions of Bomet County.
Study Design and Methodology: Descriptive study design employing both qualitative
and quantitative approaches was used. The study was conducted among parents and
guardians of child victims of CSA and key informants in Longisa and Mulot areas of
Bomet County. Data was collected from parents or guardians using interviewer administered questionnaire. FGDs were conducted among parents and in-depth interviews
of key informants to elicit their perceptions and opinions on the subject matter. Qualitative
data was transcribed, coded and categorized while quantitative data was entered using Epi
info v10 and analysed using STATA v10.
Results: Girls between the ages 5-10 years from one parent homes are the most affected.
Perpetrators are young men between the ages 18-25 years, working in casual jobs and
familiar with the child. Family break-ups, abandonment of African traditional child
rearing habits, unemployment and silence on the matter are among the perceived causes.
Conclusions: CSA is a rampant problem in the community studied that is often shunned
than discussed and the perceived causes are multiple.
Recommendations: We recommend public health measures to educate the community on
the prevalence and impact of CSA on the affected children and their families.
Limitation: the topic of CSA is a sensitive one to the victims, their families and the
community and therefore eliciting information on the same is a challenge.
