THE INFLUENCES OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE

ABSTRACT

This study examined the influences of child sexual abuse and the social work intervention practices. The objectives were to examine the prevalence of child sexual abuse in Benin city; to find out the influences of child sexual abuse on the victims as well as to identify the social work intervention practices towards child sexual abuse in Benin city. Case study research design was adopted for the study. The data comprises questionnaires administered by the researcher on 40 staffs employed by Society to Heighten Awareness of Women and Children   Abuse (SOTHAWACA) who render services to sexually abused children in Benin City Edo State. The research findings revealed that 95% of the respondents agreed that child sexual abuse has a negative influence on the child and social work intervention practices like advocacy, crises intervention, counselling, legal services are necessary to help victims. In line with these findings, the researcher recommended that the Nigerian Government should not only legislate concerning sexual abuse; appropriate punitive actions should be taken against offenders. There should be strict enforcement of laws prohibiting child sexual abuse.