The mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse in South Africa.

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of the legislation that protects children against sexual abuse, the factors that influence the mandatory reporting of sexual abuse in South Africa and how to incorporate different professionals mandated in the mandatory reporting of sexual abuse. In relation to that, the objectives were to examine the extent to which the legislation that protects children against sexual abuse in South Africa is effective in promoting the mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse; to examine the factors that influence the mandatory reporting of sexual abuse; to determine methods in which mandatory reporting can be improved to increase the reporting rate in South Africa; and to make recommendations for the compliance of mandatory reporting of sexual abuse. Study was a desk research and the findings were based on what was found by different researchers on the subject of mandatory reporting. Much focus was placed on prosecutors, police officers, psychologists, teachers and social workers as mandated reporters. It emerged from the study that some gaps still exist in the legislation that protects children against sexual abuse. Among the factors that have led to cases of sexual abuse not being reported was a lack of knowledge of the procedures for reporting, distrust among professionals, uncertainty about the outcomes of reporting, as well as a lack of faith in the judicial system. Inter-disciplinary efforts, the training of teachers on mandatory reporting and systemic interventions, among other methods, can be used to improve the mandatory reporting of the sexual abuse of children in South Africa. This study recommends the use of multiple and diverse interventions; the training of both professionals and the public on children’s rights and their obligations; placing social workers in community health settings; and investing more resources in the training of teachers as they are the ones that spend the most time with children among all the professionals.