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Child Sexual Abuse Prevention in Kenya: Problems and Possibilities Carol A. Plummer, Ph.D., Louisiana State University School of Social Work Sexual Abuse in Kenya Sexual abuse is considered to be a significant problem in many African countries, yet few studies actually document incidence or prevalence rates, or examine the unique dynamics in African cultures. Further, most reports are unpublished in the international literature or exist only in the form of reports (Lalor, 2004). This report documents experiences of one social worker in Kenya during June, 2006, with information gleaned over a one month period from professionals in various Kenyan communities. These observations and reflections about sexual abuse of children in Kenya aim to contribute to the limited knowledge base regarding how child sexual abuse operates within different cultural groups in Kenya, with recommendations for next steps in prevention efforts. OBJECTIVE: An exploratory study was conducted to learn about professionals’ observations of and perceptions about current levels and dynamics of child sexual abuse in Kenya. In particular, the study aimed to understand professionals’ analysis of risks and protective factors in the various (42) tribal cultures represented in Kenya. ,[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],Methods Because little knowledge exists regarding perceptions of risk and protective factors by members of a cultural group themselves (rather than outside observers), groups of professionals from different tribal groups in Kenya were asked to work in teams to identify key risks and protective factors regarding child sexual abuse within their own tribal culture. The professionals involved in the work had received little prior training on the topic of child sexual abuse, so that their ideas and beliefs may reflect those of others in the general public. Tribal affiliations included Meru/Maasai, Somali, Coastal regions, Luo, Kamba, Kikuyu, Kalenjin, and Kisii. Most of the other subjects interviewed provided information in a group setting not specifying tribal affiliation. These included the hospital staff and those working with street children. The final group consisted of individuals encountered in visits to orphanages and taxicabs and were entirely informal exchanges rather than prolonged discussion/dialogues “ Easy availability of pornographic videos exposes children to sexual matters very early.” “ It is considered a sign of wealth if a man marries many wives so he may marry young girls in preparation for old age.” “ Witchcraft instills fear in potential molesters, stopping them from acting.” “ One hundred percent of girls and 100% of boys who are living on the streets have been sexually abused, some daily.” “ Some homeless girls refuse to sleep at the base camps and make a deal with a guard at a gatehouse to receive shelter. This way they need only have sex with one man rather than be gang-raped at the base.” “ Easy availability of pornographic videos exposes children to sexual matters very early.” Results Risk Factors for Child Sexual Abuse at the Tribal/Cultural Level Risks identify those factors that may contribute to or support possible sexual abuse of children in a community. The following, in order of importance to the respondents, indicate their self-perceptions of risks coming from their particular tribal group. ,[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],Select Comments from Respondents: “ At our hospital we rarely have sexual abuse victims who do not have physical evidence of abuse and oftentimes they need reconstructive surgery.” “ Girls are sent by their families to be prostitutes to the tourists of the coastal towns. Parents are sometimes willing to sacrifice one child to feed the others.” “ After circumcising or FGM children are encouraged to engage in sex. One way was through the influential songs sung during and after the initiation ceremonies.” “ Traditional laws protected children. Those found guilty of sexual offenses would be fined heavily, stoned, ex-communicated, forced to migrate or have to undergo a humiliating cleansing ceremony.” Risks and Protective Factors: Beyond individual risk factors Risks and protective factors may also be somewhat controversial, and originate with theories of what conditions lead to sexual abuse. Preventing males and females from all interaction may prevent some sexual abuse given that opportunities, at least for certain offenders, may be minimized. On the other hand, providing males and females with no opportunities to learn to interact, be respectful, and see one another as full human beings, may actually LEAD to some sexual abuse. Other risk factors listed may also be viewed as protective factors, or vice versa. However, to fully understand the cultures represented, and the values placed on certain traditions and practices, practitioners need to understand what is perceived as a risk and/or protective factor from within the cultural context. ,[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],    Kalenjin      Kisii   Kikuyu        Kamba      Luo       Coast        Somali         Meru /Maasai   Tribes Social changes Poverty Foreign Influence Role of children Sexual Norms Individual risks Gender roles & Practice Culture of Silence Patriarchy Factors

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