The development of an innovative strategy to address child sexual abuse investigations in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.
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Date
2024-11
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University of Fort Hare
Abstract
The research concentrated on establishing an approach to examine child sexual abuse cases in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The aim of the study was to identify the causes of delays in the investigation processes of child sexual abuse cases. The study further analysed the disputes among the child sexual abuse (CSA) actors, primarily concentrating on the duties and functions each fulfilled throughout the investigation of child sexual abuse cases. Additionally, the ecosystem theory was employed as a theoretical framework to dissect the major core issues within the study. A qualitative research methodology employing a case study design was implemented within an Intervention Research paradigm. The study utilised a purposive sampling strategy to recruit individuals with specific competence and knowledge of child sexual abuse investigations, providing a diverse cohort comprising law enforcement personnel, social workers, legal experts, and healthcare specialists. A total of 68 people were interviewed, comprising 30 from the SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Investigations Unit, 14 from governmental stakeholder groups, 4 from non-governmental organisations, 3 from private social workers and psychologists, and 17 participants in focus group discussions. The data was collected through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions, followed by thematic analysis. The study found that several participants expressed apprehensions over the lack of social workers to aid the forensic assessment of the victims. In contrast, others highlighted issues related to DNA collection and the absence of crime kits for procuring buccal samples (cheek swabs). The researcher discovered that the NPA and SAPS possess investigative aids; , there is a deficiency in these aids, which are also inadequately maintained. In such instances, it obstructs the investigative process. Many interviewees identified the scarcity of human and physical resources as a challenge, citing insufficient personnel and vehicles for investigating child sexual abuse cases. The extended duration required to get DNA forensic results is a significant obstacle despite the substantial dependence of prosecutors and courts on such evidence, especially in cases involving juvenile victims. Interviews with
participants revealed inadequate directives, policies, or protocols to guide the stakeholders. They further underscored the deficiency of collaboration and
comprehension among stakeholders, which complicates the provision of services such as counseling and placement for sexually assaulted children. It is possible to draw the conclusion that there are difficulties in addressing the issue of child sexual abuse due to a confluence of factors, one of which is a deficiency of resources to address the issue. In addition, it is suggested that there should be a collective coordination among the various actors that can be found within the value chain in order to ensure the proper implementation of the procedure that is required to speed up investigations. The proposal of a joint child sexual abuse investigation model to be developed from the study. Thus, the research recommends that a pilot study be conducted to implement the proposed model.
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PhD Thesis