Catherine L. Ward|Lillian Artz|Lezanne Leoschut|Reshma Kassanjee|Patrick Burton
Sexual violence against children in South Africa: a nationally representative cross-sectional study of prevalence and correlates
University of Cape Town|University of Cape Town|University of Cape Town
aimed complete nationally representative study sexual violence children south africa correlates since could identify studyfor nationally representative crosssectional study south africa households selected use multistage sampling frame stratified province urban rural setting race group schools selected basis closest area households selected interviews selfadministered questionnaires location inquired lifetime lastyear prevalence sexual abuse correlates among children aged 1517 years whose parents gave informed consent gave informed assentthe final household sample 5631 946 participation rate 999 95 ci 8651147 boys 1461 95 ci 12831656 girls reported lifetime sexual victimisation physical abuse emotional abuse neglect family violence victimisations strongly associated sexual victimisation following associated greater risk sexual abuse adjusted odds ratio school enrolment 212 95 ci 129348 rural dwelling 059 043080 flush toilet 143 104196 parental substance misuse 237 167336 disabled 142 110182 female male caregivers poor knowledge childs whereabouts friends activities 107 075153 poor quality relationship child ie poor acceptance 120 055260 childs substance misuse 472 373598 highrisk sexual behaviour 371 299461 behaviours frequently associated sexual abuse mental health conditions found less prevalent factors still strongly associated sexual victimisation posttraumatic stress disorder 281 165478 depression 343 226519 anxiety 248 161381sexual violence widespread among girls boys associated serious health problems associated factors require multisectoral responses prevent sexual violence mitigate consequencesubs optimus foundation