SA praised for response to child sexual abuse

SOUTH Africa is a shining light in response to child sexual abuse and exploitation, says a report by The Economist’s intelligence unit titled “Out of the Shadows”.

The study found that while the country was committed to fighting sexual violence against children, more work was needed to strengthen access to victim support programmes and resources for legal and law enforcement professionals.

The study examines how governments in 40 countries survey, confront and tackle sexual abuse and exploitation.

“There are support programmes for victims of child sexual abuse, but data on individuals who seek such support is unavailable from official sources. Victims do not have the option of seeking compensation from offenders.”

The survey also found that while South Africa had made progress with laws to prevent child sexual exploitation,it did not offer “any special protection to children in its rape laws”. It ranked 15 out of 40 countries, with the UK, Sweden and Canada the top three.

“Combating child sexual abuse and exploitation is becoming a greater priority on the global stage and in many countries. And research shows that progress is possible even when resources are limited,” the report reads.

It highlighted the lack of attention to sexual assault and exploitation of boys. Of the 40 countries surveyed, 21 had no special protection for boys in their rape laws.

Only 18 countries were found to collect data on sexual abuse affecting boys.

According to the report, data measuring the extent of the sexual abuse and exploitation of children was lacking, with only half of the countries collecting data on child sexual abuse and only five collecting data on the sexual exploitation of children.

While South Africa is often praised for having one of the best legal frameworks for protecting women and children, it is criticised for a lack of implementation of the laws.

A 2016 Children’s Institute “Out of Harm’s Way” report indicated that 34% of children in South Africa become victims of sexual and physical violence before the age of 18.