The Role of a Social Worker in the Mitigation of Child Sexual Abuse in Kisii County.

Abstract

Child Sexual abuse (CSA) is both a social and public health concern worldwide. A common misconception about CSA is that it is a scarce act perpetrated against girls by male strangers. In spite of a plethora of research on CSA, little is known about its mitigation. In the recent past in Kenya, sexual abuse has been noted in schools most of which the perpetrators go scot-free. It occurs at all levels of society and affects not only girls but also boys in all levels of the society. The purpose of this study therefore was to investigate the role of a social worker in the mitigation of child sexual abuse among pupils in Kisii County. The study utilized descriptive survey design. The sample size was 100 pupils, 100 parents,10 Key Informants and 10 practicing Social workers. The findings of the study reveal that in order to curb child sexual abuse, the risk factors such as poverty, parental negligence and harmful traditional cultural practices should be addressed. The Social workers also need to take up their roles in the prevention, restoration and resource provision to curb CSA. The study recommends on offender registration, community notification, mandatory background check for teachers, residency restriction and sentence lengthening as a mitigation strategy to ending sexual violence against pupils.