Citation

Fouche A, le Roux LMP. Child Abuse Negl. 2017; 76: 23-33.

Affiliation

Department of Social Work and Criminology, University of Pretoria, South Africa.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.chiabu.2017.09.008

PMID

29017083

Abstract

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.

Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Language: en

Keywords

Child sexual abuse; Child witness; Pre-trial therapy; Social workers