DETERMINANTS OF SEXUAL ABUSE AMONG CHILD HEADED FAMILIES. A CASE OF KAPTEMBWO LOCATION NAKURU COUNTY, KENYA
Abstract
This study sought to understand the determinants of sexual abuse among child headed families in Kaptembwo Location of Nakuru County and how the local communities dealt with issues of child sexual abuse. The study utilized a descriptive research design. Primary data was collected from 25 respondents out of a sample of 30 through closed/structured questionnaires, administered by “drop and pick later” method by the researcher also key informant interviews were carried out on children in the child-headed households. Quantitative data was analyzed through SPSS V.24 and qualitative data analyzed using NVIVO software. Findings revealed that socio-cultural factors had an influence on sexual abuse within child-headed families in Kaptembwo. Most of such vices stemed from stresses of poverty, financial problems and community violence, low self-esteem, a child was abused before and also maybe the child lived in seclusion and isolation. Results revealed that sexual abuse among CHH was likely determined by the immediate environment of the child namely; geographical location of the house, social places like bars, clubs and institutions like schools and churches. It was concluded that environmental factors had an influence on sexual abuse within child-headed families. Further it came out that adolescents who were in CHHs were in a very high risk of suffering economical distress and would do anything to earn money. It was concluded that economic factors have an influence on sexual abuse within child-headed families. It was further concluded that legal framework governing children’s rights was less effective in Kaptembwo. This study recommended that there was need for community sensitization among households making them aware of adult risky behaviors that may lead to their death and leave their children orphans and vulnerable to not only sexual abuse but also other societal vices. The study also recommended that schools needed to be stricter in enforcing rules that encourage vulnerable children to remain in school. The study also recommended that the government should tighten the legal framework surrounding vulnerable children to prevent them from being taken advantage of by irresponsible adults in society. Stricter punishment should also be instilled to the culprits found taking advantage of the young children. Finally, laws should be enforced towards bar and restaurant owners who pre dispose young vulnerable children to sexual abuse and other vices.
Key terms- Child-headed house hold, Emotional abuse, Family violence, Physical abuse, Sexual abuse.
CITATION: Maranga, B. D., Marima, E., & Mwaura, P. (2019). Determinants of sexual abuse among child headed families. A case of Kaptembwo Location Nakuru County, Kenya. The Strategic Journal of Business & Change Management, 6 (3), 735 – 745.
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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.61426/sjbcm.v6i3.1352
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