Citation

Mason C, Kennedy N. J. Child Sex. Abus. 2014; 23(3): 278-289.

Affiliation

a Queen Elizabeth Hospital , Malawi.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/10538712.2014.888119

PMID

24641596

Abstract

Potential Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) transmission makes prompt disclosure of child sexual abuse (CSA) in Africa critical. The pattern of disclosure of 133 children presenting to the largest hospital in Malawi were analyzed. Eighty percent presented early enough for effective use of HIV post-exposure prophylaxis. Seventy-five percent of children made a disclosure of CSA; 29% spontaneously and 47% after prompting. Disclosures were most commonly made to a parent, and age did not affect the pattern of disclosure. The number of children reporting CSA is increasing, possibly because of increasing awareness, availability of services, and fear of HIV. Although prompt disclosure rates were relatively high, facilitating easier disclosure of CSA by a free telephone help-line and better training of teachers may be helpful.

Language: en