Child Sexual Abuse in Botswana

Abstract

ABSTRACT Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) in Botswana, is a big social problem with proven lifelong effects on the victims. Botswana has established various child protection institutions (CPI) and amended children’s protection laws in order to ensure that, children are safe from all harm. However, despite this development, CSA cases in Botswana are still on the rise. This study is the first to evaluate the effectiveness of child protection institutions in Botswana. A case study method was used in Old Naledi, and Letlhakeng where interview with 21 participants were conducted. Findings of the study revealed that there is;(i) the absence of a national child strategy; (ii) poor coordination of child protection institutions (iii) weak child legislation framework (iv) lack of capacity (v) inadequately financed child protection (vi) lack of systematic data collection (vii) lack of evidence base research; (viii) decline of family structure and (iv) lack of public awareness. All these combined, have been found to be a hindrance to the effectiveness of child protection institutions in Botswana. The study recommends as follows; there is need to review Children’s Act of 2009, there is need to develop national child protection strategy, strengthen coordination of CPI, increase allocation of resources, create a centralised database on CSA and strengthen evidence base research on CSA in Botswana.