Social workers’ views on pre-trial therapy in cases of child sexual abuse in South Africa

• Published in: Child abuse & neglect Vol. 76; pp. 23 - 33
• Main Authors: Fouché, Ansie, le Roux, Liana (M.P.)
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.02.2018; Elsevier Science Ltd
• Subjects: Abused children; Child abuse & neglect; Child sexual abuse; Child witness; Children; Children & youth; Complaints; Focus groups; Pre-trial therapy; Qualitative research; Sampling; Sex crimes; Social workers; Testimony; Trials; Victims; South Africa; Pre-trial therapy; Social workers; Child sexual abuse; Child witness
• ISSN: 0145-2134; 1873-7757
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2017.09.008

This study sought to explore anecdotal reports that social workers in South Africa are often advised to postpone therapy with child complainants of sexual abuse until after the child's testimony, based on concerns of legal professionals that therapeutic interventions could influence the child's testimony. Applying purposive sampling and a qualitative research study, individual and focus group interviews were conducted with 18 social workers and one psychologist that provide therapeutic services to child complainants of sexual abuse in the Gauteng province. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and independently analyzed by both researchers, performing thematic analysis. Emerging themes include a lack of directives in terms of the provision of pre-trial therapy for child victims of sexual abuse, current practices and challenges in this regard. Recommendations for the way forward are presented. Limitations and future research will be discussed.