PERCEPTIONS OF CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT IN THE NORTHERN PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate community knowledge, attitudes and practices towards child abuse and neglect in the Northern Province, South Africa. A 66-item structured questionnaire on different forms of child abuse and neglect was administered face-to-face to 366 adults in three geographically different areas (urban, semi-urban, rural). All participants had at least one 5 year-old child. Results of the study indicated a general awareness of the presence of child abuse and neglect in the Northern Province, with similar response patterns from different geographical areas. Ninety (24.6%) of all the: respondents said that there was a great deal and 184 (50.3%) a small amount of child abuse and neglect in their region; and 152 (41.5%) said they have seen an abused or neglected child. Upon seeing an abused or neglected child, 184 (50.3%) would report this to an authority and 166 (45.4%) would talk to the parents. There was a high incidence and acceptance of physical punishment, child begging and child street hawking. The various forms of child abuse and neglect are discussed in the context of other findings in Africa.